PAWSD Highlands Project Creates, Retains 11 Jobs
The $9.3 million dollars of federal stimulus funding received in 2009 by the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District is doing what it was intended to do: create and retain jobs while providing funds for infrastructure improvements in the local community.
As of July 31, the Highlands Lagoon Elimination Project has resulted in 11 full time jobs newly created or retained, the latter being local jobs that otherwise would have been lost if not for this project. These positions represent a pay range from between $14.91 per hour for a laborer to $33.70 per hour for a seasoned pipefitter. These jobs will continue until at least the end of November with several continuing through 2011. As the Biosolids Beneficial Use Facility component of the Highlands Project begins, additional full time jobs will be created.
Since the Highlands Project began in late 2009, through July 1, 2010, all work has been funded by $1.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant proceeds. The remainder of the project will be financed by the balance of the ARRA funding which is in the form of a 0% interest loan.
Simultaneously with the Highlands Project, the upgrade and expansion of the Hatcher Water Treatment Plant that began in June has created or retained an additional 15 full-time jobs. This work involves installing the latest technology water treatment system to meet ever more strict federal and state drinking water regulations. This work and these jobs will continue full time through the spring of 2011, financed by a low interest state loan.
By proactively planning and thus being able to take advantage of opportunities for grants and low interest loans, PAWSD has been able to keep locals employed, contracting with several local and regional firms on these projects such as Hart Construction, Ecosphere Environmental Services, Aquahab and Bedrock Blasting. In addition, these funds have sustained employment by the local engineering firms Briliam Engineering and Davis Engineering.
