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S.W. sewer project on track |
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Friday, March 13 2009 |
By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail
“We’re ready to go.”
Those were the words from Ed Biskis of Fleis and Vandenbrink to town council members this week regarding implementing Phase I of the town’s long-term sewer control project. The entire project must be completed by mid- to end 2011.
The first phase addresses storm water separation. The plans are done and it is a viable, shovel-ready project, leading council members to ask if stimulus money might be available to support the project. Biskis said the stimulus bill has allocated roughly $7 billion to wastewater funds, translating nationally to $12 per person. To put it into perspective, Biskis said if South Whitley were to get money their share would be around $21,000.
“There’s just not that much money in it,” said Biskis, adding that a limited number of grants will be available from the stimulus money, but around 250,000 cities and towns could qualify for such grants. As it pertains to South Whitley, Biskis said if the storm water separation project would be considered, that’s pretty much it. He said the idea that communities are going to get free money is just not the case. He felt the real opportunity the town has to secure additional funds for the project is from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). If a construction grant could be obtained on Phase I or through OCRA for Phase II, it would help, Biskis informed the council.
“Basically, the stimulus package has funneled money through funding sources already there,” added Biskis. He said unless another project is ready to go, a wish list doesn’t make sense. Once they know the funding sources for the storm water separation project, they can advertise for bids. Biskis will be meeting with INDOT this month to finalize coordination for the project. Costs for Phase I will be around $700,000, with overall project costs coming in at just over $3.3 million.
Economic pressure may result in attractive construction bids, noted Biskis, saying he’d like to obtain estimates on the project within the next two to three months, with the aim to start construction in June and finish by August. Phase II of the project, costing just over $2 million, involves three elements: increasing interceptor size, installing a new pump station at the plant and splitting flow.
Even if OCRA chips in money, said Biskis, it won’t be enough to fund the project so the town will have to secure bonds. He also requested the town have the downspout project completed by the end of 2009.
“We’re on course, costs seem to be in line, and we’re on our way with the town being in compliance,” said Biskis.
In other town council matters, Clerk-Treasurer Mitch Winger was given approval to advertise for temporary summer help. Town attorney Greg Hockemeyer will review the job description prior to advertising.
Hockemeyer also asked the council meet in executive session at 5:30 p.m. on March 24 to discuss pending litigation.
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Last Updated ( Monday, March 16 2009 )
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