The Arkansas Valley Conduit received a $90 million federal funding boost last week as construction continues on the drinking water line that will serve 39 water systems east of Pueblo.
The 130-mile pipeline will serve 50,000 people when completed. To date, federal appropriations total more than $321 million for the project, said Chris Woodka, senior policy and issues manager for the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, while state loans and grants total $120 million.
In addition, the water conservancy has built delivery lines to Avondale and Boone, using $1.2 million contributed by the Pueblo County Commissioners through American Rescue Plan Act funding. The project is being overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in conjunction with the district, Woodka said.
“This (funding) is great news for the AVC and the people of Southeastern Colorado and funding at this level is needed to keep the project moving forward,” said Bill Long, president of the water conservancy. “The Southeastern District is looking forward to the day when we can fulfill the promise to bring clean drinking water to the people of the Lower Arkansas Valley.”
Broadband fiber expansion gets boost in Avondale, Boone
The Colorado Broadband Office recently announced that the Southern Colorado Economic Development District has received additional broadband funding for a fiber infrastructure project in Pueblo County.
The $395,087 grant will bring funding to a total of $2.77 million for broadband fiber expansion in Avondale and Boone which is being undertaken by the project’s internet partner SECOM. SECOM will match the funding with more than $100,000.
The latest funding will bring fiber to an additional 161 locations around Boone and east of Avondale.
“Being able to provide connectivity to our rural communities is significant. These projects will have a true impact throughout southern Colorado; and, along with our partners, we are proud to be leading the way in these efforts,” said Leslie Mastroianni, executive director of the Southern Colorado Economic Development District.
Puebloan elected to Ent Credit Union Board of Directors
Shanna Farmer, president and chief executive officer for United Way of Pueblo County has been elected to the Ent Credit Union Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shanna Farmer to our board,” said Chad Graves, CEO of Ent Credit Union. “Her diverse experience and commitment to service will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of supporting our members and their communities.”
Farmer has more than 18 years of experience working in southern Colorado in nonprofit organizations, higher education, constituent services, and political advocacy. Since 2019, she has led United Way of Pueblo County, and since 2015, she has been an adjunct faculty member for the Center for Honors and Leadership at CSU Pueblo.
Care and Share names new development director at Pueblo food bank
Native Puebloan Rita Fox has been named Care and Share development director for the Pueblo food bank.
Fox brings more than 20 years of experience in forging alliances, working in business development and fostering economic growth. She has worked with the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo.
Fox is deeply involved in her community, serving on several boards, and has been named Ambassador of the Year from the chamber.