In late May, Public Works staff attended a meeting hosted by El Paso Water (EPW) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) related to the progress of a feasibility study for dam improvements in the northwestern part of the County. The benefit of the project would be enjoyed by residents in the Village of Vinton, the Westway community as well as vacant land managed by EPW. To date, EPW has funded, in partnership with the Corps, close to $3M in planning activities within the area. However, EPW and the Corps have requested the County to participate in a cost-share measure with the Village of Vinton to finalize the feasibility study. Once the feasibility study is complete, the project would become eligible for construction dollars in federal funding (construction funding would be contingent on available federal funding). If federal funds for construction are secured in the future, the project’s construction estimates for the recommended alternative would total $56M (35 percent of which would be the local responsibility—totaling approximately $19.6M).

The total cost remaining on the Feasibility study is $1,552,000 and the local sponsor is responsible for $701,000.  The last slide of the attached presentation displays those funds spread out to July 2022, however, the bulk of the funds (~$602,000) would be required by April 2020.  The Corps has indicated there is some flexibility to accommodate differences in Federal and County funding streams that may be discussed. Public Works staff has since met with the Vinton of Village who have provided feedback on their interest to partner in cost-sharing the required local contribution of funds.

Remaining Local Responsibility: $701,000 Total

If Cost Split Evenly Between Vinton/County: $350,500 per entity

If Cost Split Between EP Water/Vinton/County: $233,666 per entity

Cost-Sharing Level To Be Determined