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.