A press release from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s office states that the Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District in Grand Lake was awarded $1 million for upgrades to the Three Lakes Water and Sanitation District septic system.

The project aims to convert over 660 properties from septic to central sewage collection and treatment system. This septic conversion program aims to mitigate contamination risk to approximately 9,100 acres of lakes and reservoirs near the Colorado River headwaters.

In a vision statement from Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District regarding the project, it writes that many of the septic systems in Grand Lake homes are “being used beyond their intended capacity.” This is due in part to the fact that many homes are utilized as short-term rentals with sleeping capacities that exceed typical home occupancy.

The document also states that the project is a “long-term endeavor” and that completing a “build out” of the sewage network throughout the district is estimated to cost no less than $17.5 million.

The request for funding was also supported by Sen. John Hickenlooper and comes from congressionally directed spending in the first round of this fiscal year’s Senate appropriation bills. The $1 million is part of $91.5 million in total funding secured for 78 projects in 30 counties across the state.

According to the press release, the Senate is currently working to pass another six appropriation bills which could include additional funding for Colorado projects.

“I’m glad we were able to support nearly 80 projects across 30 Colorado counties in this round of funding,” Bennet said in the press release. “From funding water infrastructure in Lamar to a business park in Craig and a housing affordability project in Fort Collins, these investments will help Coloradans meet the changing needs of their communities.”