Aurora to advertise $4–4.5M wastewater upgrades with about $2M in state grants

Aurora city staff told the City Council on May 28 that the Department of Natural Resources has approved the wastewater-treatment-plant rehabilitation project to move forward to bid, with a June 28 bid opening expected. The work is estimated at roughly $4.0–$4.5 million, and staff said the city expects about $2 million in grant funding from the Department of Natural Resources to offset costs.

The upgrades stem from an assessment completed in 2018–2019 that identified rehabilitation needs the city has been addressing over several years. Staff described the State Revolving Fund (SRF) process and said state reviewers examined both construction and the city’s financial plans to ensure the loan and grant package will be repaid and administered correctly.

A staff member said the planned upgrades are intended to carry the existing plant for another 15–20 years; by contrast, building a replacement plant could cost substantially more. City staff said they will use bond counsel and SRF administrators to guide the project through financing and construction oversight.

Council members were told the work will be advertised for bids with financing and bond administration to follow. Staff said additional details about construction timing, contractor selection, and required reporting will be shared in coming weeks.

The council did not take further formal action on the item during the meeting; staff confirmed the SRF bid timeline and the expected grant amount.