Trinity River Waterwheel Initiative project on hold

Trinity River Waterwheel Initiative project on hold

Published on September 24, 2024

As of September, the City of Fort Worth will put the Trinity River Waterwheel Initiative on pause until future funding is determined.

Background: In December 2021, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant Regional Water District and Streams & Valleys Inc. began efforts to raise the funds to support a bid for constructing and installing a waterwheel in the Trinity River. Based on bid responses, the construction and purchase costs of a waterwheel totaled $1.9 million. Including committed funding from donors and project partners, there is an outstanding project funding gap of approximately $500,000 as of Aug. 31. The cost drivers that contributed to the funding gap include increased cost of materials and labor since the project was conceived.

Future planning: The Waterwheel project design is complete and will remain ready for construction in the future, as funding becomes available. Donations are secure. Donors also have the options to receive a full refund, if desired, or to support other anti-litter initiatives through Keep Fort Worth Beautiful. City staff will be reaching out to all donors, and will continue to watch for grants or other large donations.

If additional funding opportunities become available, the City will revisit the Trinity River Waterwheel Initiative.

If you are a sponsor or donor with questions, email [email protected] or contact Keep Fort Worth Beautiful at 817-392-2046.

For media inquiries, contact Environmental Services Communications Coordinator Lola McCartney or City of Fort Worth Media Relations.

Photo:A waterwheel collects and removes trash and debris from a river's surface using hydropower or solar power, containment booms and a conveyor belt system.

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Tagged as:

• Environment
• Project Update