El Dorado Proposes Fund Redirection Following Wastewater Project Savings

City officials in El Dorado are considering a proposed ordinance that seeks to redirect funds from the city's wastewater treatment improvement project. The project, which involved multi-million-dollar upgrades to two treatment plants, was initially estimated at over $40 million. Working with Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc. and Van Horn Construction, the project's scope was reduced, bringing the final cost to approximately $31 million.

The project is funded by a combination of city dollars, a $5 million federal grant, and a $33-million state-issued loan repaid through a municipal bond. The proposed fund redirection affects the city's municipal finances and the use of public capital.