Where: Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington

Issue: A small water system, established in 1967, needs improvements.

Outcome: RCAC’s Loan Fund provided a $78,000 infrastructure feasibility loan so the Alpine Acres Community Association can submit a competitive grant application to fund the improvements.

Alpine Acres Community Association is a small water system near Leavenworth, Washington, a community of more than 1,900 residents. The water system has been operating since 1967 and serves 83 connections. The neighborhood association contracted a private water manager in 2014, which has helped the system stay in compliance with state water regulations.

However, the aging water system needs upgrades, as mains develop significant new leaks each year, which presents contamination risks and requires costly repairs. The association is currently in the process of completing a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) application for loan/grant funding for the system upgrades. In order to submit a competitive application, they must perform due diligence including surveying, preliminary engineering report, environmental report and legal fees.

RCAC’s Loan Fund provided a $50,000 infrastructure feasibility loan to fund feasibility costs for the project. The association has engaged an engineering firm to provide the technical guidance to get the project through to completion.