KIOWA

In addition to the drainage issues, there are several areas along CO86 where the existing sidewalks do not meet ADA standards due to narrow widths, curb ramp slopes and sidewalk slopes. In some areas, sidewalks are missing altogether.

e town’s intent for the TAP application is to fund the design of the sidewalks and drainage. e town also hopes to fund the possible removal of a through lane in each direction and to convert the space to a continuous left turn lane. If able, the town will also include bike lanes in each direction, providing safer routes for drivers and nondrivers alike.

“We anxiously await word on the application,” said Boyd. “ e issues this project would address have been longstanding issues for the town regarding the winter icing. is past winter was just terrible. Fingers crossed CDOT feels the same.”

KWWA Water Redundancy Project

On April 1, the Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority applied for a Tier II grant from the Colorado Department of Local A airs seeking $3.7 million in funding to create a water redundancy system for the town. e authority critically needs a second well, adequate pumps, controls, valves, housing and stor- age tank. Altogether these will address the water system redundancy need. e town plans to use a mix of grants and state revolving funds to accomplish this project

“After losing the pump to our current well last year and coming hours away from having a town with no water at all, the need for this redundancy system moved to the top of the authority’s priority list,” said Boyd. “ e primary goal of this project is to protect the water system and the community it serves. As a small community like ours is built around infrastructure and water is a driving factor in the sustainability of any community. is project will address the need for that stable infrastructure now and in the future.”

Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority: Rate Plan Study e Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority sought an administrative grant from the Colorado Department of Local A airs in the amount of $25,000 to provide needed updates to the authority’s nancial plan and cost-based rates. e rates have not been updated since the authority’s inception on May 14, 2013.

A rate study of the current service fees would provide the data that ensures the authority is setting rates appropriately. Setting appropriate rates ensures the authority continues to have the nancial resources needed to meet their budget, maintain their infrastructure, grow their distribution system, explore new technologies and implement a capital improvement plan.

24 and requires a match of $25,000 from the authority. e authority is actively seeking a quali ed individual or rm through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct this study. is RFP closes on May 18.

Town of Kiowa Comprehensive (Master) Plan Update e town sought an administrative grant from the Colorado Department of Local A airs in the amount of $25,000 to hire a consulting individual or rm to update the current master plan, which was adopted in 2004. e current plan has served the town for over 19 years as the primary long-range guiding document for the community to achieve its vision and goals. is grant was awarded on Feb. 1 and requires a match of $25,000 from the town. e town is still actively seeking a quali ed individual or rm through RFP to conduct this update. is republished RFP closes again on May 26.

“ e contents are antiquated and need to be updated with current events,” commented Boyd. “Our community has had notable changes occur in the last 19 years. Some of the things we need to consider in the plan update include growth and development interests, image and design updates, housing, economic development goals, transportation planning, public services and infrastructure, parks, recreation, and open space, environmental issues, historic and cultural amenities, and align with the vision?

6. Are our goals, policies, objectives and strategies enough to get us to where we want to go?

7. What needs to be reinforced?

8. What’s missing and needs to be added?

9. Are our implemented documents, including our land development regulations, design guidelines and entitlement procedures, in line with the Comprehensive Plan?

“Citizens, local business owners, civic leaders, and leaders in our local emergency services have been great in providing us with the letters and emails of support helping us draw the big picture,” said Boyd. “I know some days we sound like broken records, but please continue to be patient with us and know we hear you and appreciate you and we are working toward resolution for our town and for you. We are a small community with very small and restricted budgets, and these critical priorities clearly far exceed our small-town budgets, but we have entities hearing our pleas and working with us today to help us get resolution. We are getting there!”

For questions about the grants or Request for Proposals, please contact Kimberly Boyd at kboyd@ townofkiowa.com.