The town has secured a loan from the State Land Investment Board (SLIB) to replace the undersized south water line, currently a steel line located beneath Aviat. Sanderson explained that this outdated infrastructure has posed challenges for serving the community and nearby businesses.
“We want to get it in a more secure location so it’ll be easier to maintain in the future,” she noted. The new installation will replace the existing line and upgrade it, increasing capacity and flow to the southern part of the town.
RELATED: AFTON TOWN ADMINISTRATOR VIOLET SANDERSON –
To support this project, Afton residents can expect a rate structure increase starting July 1, which will appear on their August bills. The increase amounts to approximately 20% for those with standard lines, translating to an additional $5 a month or nearly $60 annually for typical households. Sanderson clarified that this adjustment is necessary as the current rate structure would not adequately fund the project.
Sanderson indicated that it’s too soon to determine if the rate increase would be permanent or temporary. She explained that the 20-year duration of the loan and potential inflation in project costs mean that rates may not decrease in the near future. However, she expressed optimism about future flexibility, stating, “If we’re able to decrease rates, we’d love to do that for the public.”
As for the project’s timeline, Sanderson mentioned that the town is currently seeking a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and is in the process of addressing right-of-way easements along the highway. The town anticipates issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) by the winter of 2026, with construction anticipated to commence in March 2027.
The new water line will run parallel to Highway 89, extending from the Nield Avenue area and connecting back to the existing main line near Gardner’s area. This upgrade is expected to greatly enhance the municipality’s water capacity and reliability.
Sanderson also discussed the Silver Brooke Estates Development and the upcoming 250th celebration.
