By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD
A major project in Decatur this spring involves the replacement of a water main in an area in the southern portion of the city.
The project encompasses an area involving S. Fifth St., “crooked” Elm St. from Winchester St. to Line St., Niblick St. and Lopez Lane.
City Utilities Auditor Kevin Hackman says a water main throughout the area will be replaced. The project is being done now as the streets involved are due to be repaved this summer as part of the latest effort fueled by a state Community Crossings grant.
“We are also going to look at the water services in the area and remove any older lines, possibly from the main to the house,” Hackman explained.
“We are trying to update as much of the infrastructure as we can in this area before it is paved, so we only have to tear up the neighborhood one time.”
The paving program is being funded primarily by a state Community Crossing grant amounting to $937,460, with Decatur adding a 25% match of $312,487. That sets the total construction cost at $1,249,947.
However, Wayne Asphalt won the contract with a bid of $1,078,607, so that may allow for additional repaving beyond the original 12 streets scheduled for work.
The state grant program has provided a huge boost to Decatur, three previous grants having totaled some $2.4 million used to pave 40 to 50 streets. A CC grant last year resurfaced 19 streets in the city.