Copper Mountain board flags $19 million remaining on wastewater rehab, advances land purchase and financing options

The Copper Mountain Consolidated Metropolitan District Board was updated May 29 on escalating costs for its wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation and approved a parcel purchase to support an office expansion and plant work.

Clerk-Treasurer Carolyn Russo reported $6.9 million has been spent on the rehabilitation project and said about $19 million remains to complete work, with a $7.7 million increase tied to the addition of another aeration basin. She told the board preconstruction costs and a longer on-site management term also contributed to the increase and that Archer Western will develop a rough estimate for the additional work.

Chelsey Lange, the district’s Public Works Director, said Summit County approved a planned-unit-development amendment and the GSE plat was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on May 26. The next steps are to sign a purchase contract with Powdr/Copper LLC, record the plat, obtain site-plan approval and secure a building permit.

Board members discussed financing options that could include bonds, short-term borrowing or grant funding. Eric Weaver of Marchetti & Weaver said the district would likely look to a borrowing decision in the first quarter of 2027 if the project is not fully funded beforehand. The board discussed a site tour and a timeline that targets completion in October 2027 with the plant ready by November.

The board also voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026-04 authorizing purchase of the parcel from Powdr/Copper LLC; the motion was moved by Director Sprinkle and seconded by Director Reis.

The board did not set a final funding source at the meeting and directed staff to continue exploring financing options and to bring further detail on cost and financing plans to future meetings.