USDA Rural Development Invests $24 Million to Strengthen Fort Lupton’s Wastewater Capacity

September 18, 2026 Press Release (Fort Lupton, Colorado) –– U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Glen R. Smith, Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Colorado State Director Sallie Clark joined representatives from the City of Fort Lupton today to celebrate a $24 million loan for a major wastewater infrastructure project that will allow the city to connect to an existing water treatment plant and provide the capacity needed to support larger infrastructure projects throughout the region. “In line with recent Presidential Executive Orders, this investment advances USDA’s commitment to help rural communities by strengthening essential infrastructure and expanding long-term opportunities. By connecting Fort Lupton’s pipeline and lift station to the North Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, the project delivers reliable, cost-effective approach while advancing the priorities that promote innovation, protect natural resources, and lay a strong foundation for future development.” – USDA Under Secretary Glen R. Smith Consolidating the system will allow the city’s wastewater to be treated to optimal levels, improving water quality in the South Platte River and delivering cleaner raw water for downstream users. Advancing a more efficient, resilient treatment system, helps safeguard waterways and enhance long‑term community health for rural regions. “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when local communities and USDA work together to address critical infrastructure needs to strengthen long-term rural resilience. By investing in infrastructure today, we’re helping ensure that communities have the capacity and reliability they need to accommodate future businesses, housing and other development.” – Colorado State Director Sallie Clark For fast-growing communities like Fort Lupton, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to supporting families, businesses and future development. Investments in core infrastructure help communities keep pace with growth while protecting water quality and ensuring residents continue to have access to safe, dependable services. Congressman Evans has made strengthening Northern Colorado’s water infrastructure a priority in Congress and has worked to bring federal resources home for critical water projects across Colorado’s Eighth Congressional District. He welcomed USDA Rural Development’s investment in Fort Lupton as another important step toward ensuring Northern Colorado communities have the infrastructure needed to grow responsibly and remain strong for generations to come. Northern Colorado is growing fast, and our water infrastructure has to keep up. I applaud USDA Rural Development’s $24 million loan to Fort Lupton, which will bolster the city’s wastewater system, improve water quality in the South Platte River, and ensure wastewater costs for our families, businesses, and institutions remain affordable. This funding reiterates the USDA’s commitment to strengthening America’s rural communities, and it’s especially meaningful to see that right here at home in Colorado’s Eighth Congressional District.” – Congressman Gabe Evans The project is funded through the Water & Waste Disposal Program and provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/co . Issues : Agriculture and Production