The Town of Eaton is excited to receive word of two grant awards from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). A $1.5 million grant from the Main Street LIVE Initiative will assist with Eaton’s downtown streetscape construction on 1st Street. A $723,925 grant will assist with replacing the Town’s water meters.
Downtown Streetscape Construction
The Town, through the Hometown Revitalization Committee, has been working on downtown revitalization and economic development since 2018. This project is part of the Downtown Revitalization Plan, amended and adopted in 2023. The Plan intends to build a pedestrian-friendly downtown attractive to residents and new businesses.
The project is a building face to building face reimagining of downtown along two blocks of 1st Street, from US-85 to Maple Street. The work includes:
- Replacing the road
- Reconstruction and widening of sidewalks
- Curb, gutter, and drainage replacement/improvements
- Underground utility improvements, including water lines, stormwater pipes, manholes, and rain garden
- 15 streetlights
- 22 trees and landscaping
- Parklet paving
- Entrance monument on 1st and 85
- 12,000-square-foot parking lot extension between the 200 block of 1st and Town Square
- 5,000-square-foot outdoor seating plaza
DOLA awarded a grant of $1.5 million to assist with this project, citing the project’s connection to energy impact, relationship to community goals, and community support. The Town anticipates beginning construction in early 2024 and will update residents about construction progress.
“We look forward to the more pedestrian-centric downtown area, but also the economic benefits that a revamped downtown core will bring to our Town,” said Assistant Town Administrator Greg Brinck. “Attracting new residents and businesses will expand our property and sales tax base. We also hope the project will encourage private investment in existing downtown buildings and future development of the old Elementary School site. ”
In addition to the $1.15 million Colorado Department of Transportation grant, this grant will allow the Town to significantly invest in our downtown with minimal contribution from local taxpayers.
Water Meter Replacement
The Town of Eaton has 610 water meters that must be replaced and relocated. The meters are nearly 50 years old and are installed inside residential homes. The antiquated water meters lead to a waste of water resources and prevent the Town from meeting water efficiency goals. With a 100% match from the Town, this grant of $723,925 will replace and relocate approximately 310 water meters. The project includes new meters and related installation costs such as concrete removal, patching, and landscape restoration.
The Town anticipates beginning the project in the first half of 2024. Residents will be notified prior to the replacement of their water meters.
“The Town is thrilled to have this additional funding for the much-needed projects in our community,” said Mayor Scott Moser. “I’m excited for our residents to have a pedestrian-friendly downtown area where they can walk, shop, and eat. Additionally, replacing the water meters will help us to cut down on our water loss and assist us in meeting our water efficiency goals.”
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Town of Eaton:
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