Awaiting funding for a project? The answer could lie in designing the project. As an experienced civil engineering firm that’s served on thousands of projects from design to development, we know that having your project designed can be a major step in securing funding. Most recently, WLC completed the design for the Glenn Addition Water System, which is now awaiting funding for construction. Using this project as an example, here are a few ways a completed project design can help you identify and secure funding for the next stages.
No Design Costs
Simply put, a designed project automatically reduces the budget because no design costs are required. This may appeal to many funding sources. In the Glenn Addition Water System example, WLC designed the replacement water system to meet the required fire flows and domestic service. Now, in this case, cost estimating for funding will not require design costs, but rather be used by the owner to aid in acquiring grant funding for the construction of the project.
Completed Design Demonstrates Project Importance
A well-designed project can demonstrate its viability and core purpose, addressing potential concerns from funders up front. Additionally, it establishes the importance of the project to the project owner. Demonstrating the clear need and benefit of the project through design shows funding entities that the project solves a problem and is thereby worth the funding it needs. For example, in the Glenn Addition Water System, WLC’s design illustrates that the water replacement project will solve the problem of inefficient water flows for fire and domestic use.
Prospective Project Funders Can See the Plan
Finally, a completed project design allows prospective funders to see the full picture. The design can tell a story of the project’s benefits from start to finish. To illustrate, take the Glenn Addition Water System project. A replacement water system in the Glenn Addition is needed to provide the required fire flows and domestic service, and the design demonstrates the full plan for the project.
WLC was tasked with finding a solution through design to provide the necessary backflow prevention for all subdivision lots due to the agricultural use of the subdivision. To accomplish this, WLC designed an above-ground enclosure to house a master backflow preventor at the connection point to the City’s existing water main. By viewing the completed design, a funding source can understand the importance of the project and see how the solution and design increase fire and domestic water flows for the City and its residents.
The Glenn Addition Water System is just one example of how an effective and detailed design can aid in securing funding for construction by demonstrating viability and the solution it provides. By highlighting the project’s value, potential impact, and feasibility, project owners can build a strong case for investment and convince potential funders to support their projects.