In a May 13th meeting of the two governing bodies, CRIT’s Tribal Council and The Parker Town Council discussed challenges facing the Joint Venture Sewer project.
More than $20 million is needed to build a new sewer plant, as the existing one is near capacity.
The Joint Venture is a separate and distinct entity operated by both CRIT and the Town of Parker for nearly 50 years. When the plant’s problems became evident, The Town of Parker issued a statement without input from CRIT.
Both sides are working to secure funding for a new system which would take, in the first phase, about 18 months to build.
CRIT also wants some assurances about the future of its Head Start facility which is under construction. While crews are on site, CRIT need Parker’s approval to extend a sewer line which would NOT be connected to the Joint Venture until sewer issues are resolved.
The request was initially and abruptly denied by the Town Council. That move did not sit well with CRIT because the new Head Start facility would serve the entire tribal and non-tribal community, even though CRIT funded and obtained funding for the project. The Tribal Council is still optimistic that the new Head Start facility can open early next year as the Town Council assured that the Head Start sewer connection would be installed.
The Town Council is asking to extend the lease for the land the sewage plant sits on to 50 years so that the Town can obtain loans and funding for the project.
Tribal Council is seeking financial details on the Joint Venture project as CRIT provides the land and the water needed to operate the sewage facility.
CRIT has reached out to the state and federal governments to help fund the project. Indian Health Services may also provide some of the engineering which would save a considerable amount of money.
Both CRIT and the Parker Town Council will continue to have ongoing discussions until the issues are resolved.
