Dream it. Fund it. Engineer it.
Varela Engineering & Management is a Spokane, Washington civil engineering practice founded in 1985 and specializing in public works infrastructure for small and rural communities in the Inland Northwest. It plans, designs, and manages water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation projects-and uniquely helps clients secure funding, having accumulated nearly $216 million in grants and loans on behalf of clients. Serving communities from the Cascades to the Canadian border, Varela is known for deep long-term relationships with the rural municipalities it serves.
Providing comprehensive planning, hydraulic modeling, and construction-phase services for municipal supply and distribution networks.
Designing robust municipal wastewater collection, lift, and treatment infrastructure to protect public health and the environment.
Evaluating and designing drainage networks, flood control infrastructure, and system improvements for urban and rural municipalities.
Planning and designing roadway, pedestrian, and multimodal transit infrastructure to improve community connectivity.
Securing crucial financial support for public works projects through state, federal, and local grant and loan programs.
Guiding municipal infrastructure developments seamlessly from initial permitting through construction and final close-out.
Government · Water Supply · Wastewater · Stormwater & Flood Control · Highways & Roads
Tonasket, WA · Stormwater & Flood Control · Client: City of Tonasket
An extensive inventory, condition assessment, and improvements planning initiative for Tonasket's stormwater systems.
Pateros, WA · Water Supply · 2014 · Client: City of Pateros
Following the devastating 2014 Carlton Complex Fire which destroyed Pateros' water infrastructure, Varela engineered a new system of wells and a reservoir. This critical project improved drinking water delivery, increased wildfire resilience, and was supported by $7.5 million in secured funding, including state grants and legislative appropriations.
Winthrop, WA · Highways & Roads · Client: Town of Winthrop
Designed and constructed a new sidewalk facility in the Town of Winthrop, partnering with the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) to improve local pedestrian connectivity.
Winthrop, WA · Water Supply · Client: Town of Winthrop
Assisted the Town of Winthrop in funding and replacing a critical water main across the Methow Bridge. Navigated the complex application process for a federal Community Projects Grant through the EPA and obtained structural approvals from WSDOT to accommodate the upgraded pipe.