Blanco's New Lift Station Project Completed: A Step Forward in City's Infrastructure

The City of Blanco has completed its new lift station, a key infrastructure project. This station manages and transfers all the city's wastewater to the treatment facility. The city officials thanked the council, staff, and residents for their support during the project.

The project required a land deal with Winona 416 Ltd, a company owned by City Council member Mike Smith's family. In 2021, the City of Blanco and Winona 416 Ltd agreed to a property and cash exchange. This allowed the lift station to be moved out of the floodplain, onto land owned by Winona. This move was required to meet TCEQ regulations and to qualify for a 2020 TDA TXCDBG grant of $300,000.

The lift station was originally located on a 0.82-acre piece of land owned by the city, which had been prone to flooding. The city couldn't secure funding to fix the facility unless it was moved out of the floodplain. Winona 416 Ltd was the only nearby landowner who could accommodate the city's needs.

The city and Winona agreed to a deal. The city transferred the old station's land to Winona, who didn't have to deal with any potential environmental issues from the old station. In return, Winona paid the city $100,000 and gave them the land for the new lift station and a related easement.

The city valued its old land at $100,000 using a CAD appraisal, while a private appraisal was used for the new land and easement. The city received $143,727 in cash and property in exchange for transferring property valued at $143,427. This deal shows the city's dedication to providing utility services to Blanco's residents, including water and waste treatment facilities.

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