Storey County broke ground today on a project to replace the community wastewater collection system in historic Virginia City.
The $13 million project funded by USDA's Water and Environmental Program, will replace eight miles of broken and cracked in-ground sewer pipe originally constructed in the 1930s.
Plans call for 43,787 line feet (LF) of sewer collection piping with 205 manholes. Originally, the project included adding sewer lines and a lift station to connect with the community of Gold Hill, but that option has been set aside for now, due to costs.
The new collection system and sewer lines will connect up to the community's new wastewater treatment plant, greatly improving system capacity.
Ames Construction is the contractor on the project, and Farr West Engineering is the consulting engineer. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers previously funded an environmental study and design plan for the project.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. With a portfolio of over $220 billion, this agency's assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nv.