Overcoming Rising Costs for Wilton’s Aging Infrastructure

Challenge

Home to 800 residents, the City of Wilton, ND faced major infrastructure challenges, including recurring water main breaks and deteriorating sewer lines. The City began planning a large-scale replacement project in 2015 to replace many of the aging utilities, which initially had an estimated cost of $2.8 million. However, rising material costs during the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the total estimate to $4.1 million, leaving a significant funding gap for the City’s budget.

Solution

To fund the project, the City worked with Moore Engineering to secure multiple funding sources including funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Department of Water Resources (DWR), Burleigh County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds, and a low interest loan from the North Dakota State Revolving Fund (ND SRF).

Outcome

Historically, the City of Wilton faced challenges in securing funding for infrastructure improvements. However, with the expertise of Moore Engineering, the City was able to identify and secure a combination of grants and loans to support this effort. Due to the successful funding strategy, the project scope has expanded into a $10 million undertaking, with more than half of the costs covered by grants. Wilton is now moving forward with its large-scale utility replacement project, addressing critical issues with its aging infrastructure. Moore Engineering’s successful approach highlights how small communities can strategically leverage diverse funding sources to tackle ambitious infrastructure initiatives.