EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A wastewater project first identified for Futureland residents in 2021 was pushed back due to funding constraints, with construction now scheduled for 2030, according to El Paso Water.<\/p>\n
The update comes after residents shared a 2021 EPWater letter with KFOX14\/CBS4. The letter said certain properties had been identified to convert from septic systems to public wastewater service and that the planning portion of the project would begin within weeks.<\/p>\n
In a statement to KFOX14\/CBS4, the utility said:<\/p>\n
Like many utilities across the country, EPWater experienced significant increases in construction costs following the pandemic, while also facing new state regulatory requirements that required major investments in treatment facilities and backup power systems. To help minimize the impact on customer rates, the utility adjusted its infrastructure priorities to focus on regulatory compliance and essential system reliability.Although there were no wastewater compliance issues in the Futureland area because no public wastewater system previously existed, EPWater continued planning for future service. In 2024, wastewater infrastructure was installed along Dyer, creating the opportunity for portions of the Futureland community to connect to the wastewater system.Today, the design of the Futureland wastewater project is nearing completion, and the project remains in our 10-year Capital plan with construction currently scheduled for 2030. EPWater also continues to seek grant funding opportunities to help accelerate the project.<\/p>\n
Futureland is a small Northeast El Paso neighborhood within city limits, between Dyer Street and U.S. 54, near Stan Roberts Sr. Avenue.<\/p>\n
Residents say they have waited decades for paved roads, streetlights and public sewer service. Many homes still rely on septic systems.<\/p>\n
Jeff Cole, vice chair of the Futureland Neighborhood Association, previously told KFOX14\/CBS4 that workers visited the neighborhood and measured properties as part of the proposed sewer project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey came out and took measurements of our two homes where my 90-year-old parents live and where I live,\u201d Cole said. \u201cAnd then we waited and we waited and we waited.\u201d<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 first reported on residents\u2019 concerns after they pointed to documents connected to Futureland\u2019s 1978 annexation. Residents believed the documents showed infrastructure improvements were supposed to be provided.<\/p>\n
The city said those documents were recommendations from a City Plan Commission staff report, not legal commitments included in the annexation ordinance.<\/p>\n
City spokesperson Laura Cruz-Acosta also said utility work would need to happen before the city could move forward with major improvements such as roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we need the utilities to go in first before the city can go in and make any kind of improvements,\u201d Cruz-Acosta said.<\/p>\n
The city has said it currently has no capital improvement project planned for Futureland. Cruz-Acosta previously said early estimates for street improvements alone ranged from $31 million to more than $50 million, not including utility work.<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 also reached out to District 4 city Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo, who represents the area.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Trejo said:<\/p>\n
I’ve been meeting with Futureland residents and understand their frustrations.This is a complicated issue that has developed over many decades and involves multiple agencies. My priority is to advocate for the community while working with city departments, El Paso Water and other governmental partners to identify available funding, clarify agency responsibilities, and explore long-term solutions for their infrastructure needs.Futureland residents deserve transparency and solutions that address the community’s long-term needs, and I will continue to work with all involved to move this effort forward.<\/p>\n
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