The Village of Questa has announced it has secured $3.8 million in funding from the USDA’s Rural Development and Rural Utilities Service to expand its wastewater treatment facility.

The funding package includes grant money, a required local match, and a loan component. Officials said the investment will allow the village to modernize and expand its current wastewater system to meet growing residential and commercial demands and support future economic development.

“This project is a critical step toward improving our infrastructure to support the future of Questa,” Mayor John Ortega says.
The existing facility, built about 15 years ago, is operating within its life expectancy but has begun showing signs of wear. Planned upgrades include adding a clarifier, replacing the outdated Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) reporting system, building a drying sludge bed, installing solar panels, enhancing security fencing, and expanding treatment capacity with new aeration basins and aerobic digesters.

The addition of solar energy is expected to lower utility costs and support environmental sustainability.

The project is already underway, with a preliminary engineering report and environmental review completed by engineering firm NV5, funded in part by USDA Rural Development and the Village of Questa. Plans, specifications, and design work are scheduled for completion by Dec. 1, 2025.

A public meeting to discuss the expansion was held Aug. 14, 2023, at the Village Chambers, giving residents an opportunity to learn more and provide feedback.

Village officials say they are committed to transparency and will continue to share project milestones as they are met.