HOBACK CLEAN WATER INITIATIVE HOBACK WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT FORMATION

Funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, POWJH launched the Hoback Clean Water Initiative in November 2022 to provide free clean drinking water delivery to Hoback residents as a short-term solution while permanent water quality solutions are worked out. There are potential health impacts if well water is contaminated and has elevated nitrate levels.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES —

• A drinking water dispenser

• Free delivery of 5-gallon water bottles every other week

• Up to 5 bottles per delivery

During Summer 2022, POWJH board member Robert Frodeman led a campaign to collect petition signatures to form a Hoback Water and Sewer District that was submitted to Teton County in August.

In October 2022, the Teton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the petition.

In February 2023, POWJH requested that the State of Wyoming allow the Hoback Water and Sewer District to apply for an Intended Use Permit before district voting was completed. Without POWJH advocating, the district would have to wait another year to be eligible for funding. Of the 200 projects submitted to the State Revolving Fund, the Hoback Water and Sewer project has been ranked 14th on the list. POWJH was successful in accelerating funding for clean water in Hoback.

In February 2023, Hoback residents voted 35-0 to establish a water and sewer district to help address their water quality concerns.

Hoback residents are united behind efforts to fix their chronic water quality problems. Forming a district gives Hoback residents a necessary tool to begin addressing the issue. A district can levy taxes to pay off low-interest state loans, apply for state grants to build water and sewer infrastructure, and look for federal grants to fund projects.

In Fall 2022, with a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, POWJH also helped to fund a Level II water analysis of the Hoback Junction area. The Level II analysis is set for completion in December 2023. This study will identify options for correcting Hoback water problems and estimate costs. This analysis will make it possible to apply for Level III construction funding at the state and federal levels.