SR-20 Bridge Water Main

Varela assisted the Town in funding the construction of the SR-20 Methow Bridge Water Main Replacement Project via a federal Community Projects Grant. Winthrop was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to receive funding from this newly-created program. Varela worked closely with the Town and the EPA to navigate the complex application process. Structural approvals from WSDOT were necessary to ensure the bridge could handle the increased load of the upgraded pipe. 

Long lead times forced a winter shutdown. The permanent pipe was not delivered in time to install before the North Cascades winter began. A temporary pipe was used through the winter until the Spring thaw. 

Bridge Water Main (BEFORE)	Bridge Water Main (AFTER)

When a cold snap in January 2024 caused a valve to break, Varela assembled a successful emergency funding application to Public Works Board. PWB awarded funding to the Town in May, and Varela was able to leverage the additional funding to extend the water main replacement an additional 600 ft. 

Overall, Varela acquired $1,092,000 for the construction of this project.