INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATIONS In the evolving landscape of Estevan, infrastructure projects are the bedrock upon which the city’s future prosperity is built. City Manager Ward offers a detailed account of the city’s infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing a decade-long commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic investment. “We’ve been diligently upgrading our water infrastructure, including a yearly water main replacement program and securing a secondary water source,”Ward shares, highlighting a significant $16 million project that has markedly improved the city’s water quality. These efforts are complemented by a $2 million upgrade to the city’s water tower, ensuring the longevity and reliability of water supply systems. Regarding wastewater management,Ward discusses an innovativepilot programtoenhanceenvironmental stewardship. “We’re piloting a subsurface filtration system for polishing our wastewater before it’s released into the environment,” he explains. This initiative addresses regulatory requirements and environmental monitoring. City Manager Jeff Ward interjects, highlighting the significance of this technological shift for the local workforce, particularly coal miners. “This initiative, spearheaded by a former coal miner, exemplifies our commitment to supporting our workforce through the energy transition,” Ward notes. This strategic move towards entrepreneurship and innovation is not just about economic diversification but also about ensuring a smooth transition for those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the fossil fuel industry. Mayor Ludwig continues, sharing insights into a groundbreaking venture with George Washington University that promises to redefine Estevan’s relationship with coal. “We’re collaborating on a project that uses laser technology to transform lignite coal into graphite, a critical component in battery production,” Ludwig reveals. This initiative aligns with global trends toward electric vehicles and marks a significant shift from coal as a power source to a valuable resource for the burgeoning EV market. 126 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx