Fort Wayne Planning $92M in Utilities Upgrades
(photo courtesy of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of Fort Wayne is planning to invest more than $90 million in water, sewer and storm infrastructure improvements for 2021. The city says project will improve reliability, solve drainage issues and protect the environment.
“I’m encouraged by the continued commitment to neighborhoods. City Utilities is making a significant difference as we work together to be a growing and thriving community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The projects being done to enhance our water, sewer, and stormwater systems are intended to ensure that residents and businesses receive reliable and excellent service.”
The city says a consolidation sewer is being constructed to intercept combined sewage from several neighborhoods on the north side of the river and transport it to a drop shaft connected to the Three Rivers Protection and Overflow Reduction Tunnel. When the tunnel is operational at the end of 2023, the amount will be reduced by more than 90%.
Three other consolidation sewers are under construction or will begin this year, and 12 miles of sewer pipe are being lined throughout the city this year.
“City Utilities delivers award-winning, high-quality water and sewer services to customers every day. Our efforts are about protecting public health and safety, but we can’t forget about the health of underground infrastructure,” said Kumar Menon, director of City Utilities. “I thank Mayor Henry and the City Council for supporting our aggressive efforts to replace aging water pipes, address drainage issues and protect the environment. But we still need to invest more, and I’m encouraged that Congress is looking closely at providing additional funding toward upgrading and modernizing America’s wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems. I can assure you it would be money well invested.”
The city says its efforts to replace 70 miles of aging water main in a 5-year time frame continue with replacements planned for this year in the neighborhoods of Hamilton, West Central, Southwood Park, Tamarack, Covington Dells, Five Points, Centerhurst, Fairfield, Fairmont and Oakdale.
Its five-year plan to complete more than 30 major stormwater projects continues in Vesey, Hessen Cassel Road, Diane Drive, Mayfield Road, Vance Avenue, Blackhawk, North Anthony, and Lincolndale areas.
The city says it is also making upgrades to its water and sewer plants and our pollution control plants.