By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
At its latest meeting, Decatur City Council, for the first time, discussed a project that could cost upwards of $21 million.
Ouch!
But before getting flustered, know that there currently is a 10-year time span to get it done; there is a great chance that funds for the work will be available from the state; and the project can be handled piece-meal over several years.
The federally-mandated Water Utility Improvements project’s primary purpose is to replace lead service lines and aging water mains. It came about, in part, within the last year or so due to the severe nature of the crisis in Flint, Michigan, several years back – a crisis which is still not totally rectified.
A report on various aspects of such a project was outlined to Decatur City Council at its meeting Tuesday night by Ben Adams, engineer, and Chris Harrison, business development manager, both with Commonwealth Engineers, Inc.
After a discussion and answers to several questions gained, council voted to accept the report and move ahead. “But you’re not committing to anything,”Adams said.
Adams explained that the city has an excellent chance of gaining some funding from the State Revolving Fund (SRF).
The SRF has a list of 70-some communities around Indiana which are in need of such a project and Decatur ranks eighth in terms of need, which means funding – and/or low-interest loans – seems almost assured.
How much, though, is the question and Adams said he would expect the city to learn something along those lines within the next 30 or so day.
“Quite frankly, you’re in a pretty envious position” as to chances of gaining some funding, Adams told Mayor Dan Rickord and council.
“This is a big deal,” the mayor noted. “and being at the top of the list gives us a good chance to get some funding.”
“This is a public health concern; it’s for our citizens,” added Councilman Jenny Bowers-Shultz.
AREAS CITED: The lengthy report prepared by Commonwealth points out 14 different areas in Decatur – some of the oldest areas with lead service lines – which would be targeted for improvement:
Elm St., 13th to Line
Winchester Rd., Canterbury Dr. to Tigers Trail
2nd St., Monroe to Jackson
Adams St., 13th to 3rd
Jefferson St., 2nd to 10th
8th St., Adams to Monroe
9th St., Adams to Monroe
10th St., Adams to Monroe
11th St., Adams to Monroe
Madison St, 2nd to 7th
Monroe St., 1st to 13th
6th St., Jefferson to Madison
Homestead Addition (services only)
High St. (services only)
“This project targets areas that have a dense amount of lead service lines and have aging water mains,” the Commonwealth report says.
“The water mains targeted for replacement are in the older parts of the city, where the water mains are nearing the end of their useful life and require replacement to mitigate main breaks and maintain an adequate level of service.”
About the Author
