Jobs bill could fund T.H. water project

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The new jobs bill promises $30 billion in additional lending and $12 billion in small business tax breaks.

But it comes with a price tag of over $50 billion.

Opponents called the bill a campaign move to buy Democrat votes in the mid-term elections.

Those in favor said places like the Wabash Valley need funds, and folks who remain unemployed need work.

Projects funded by this bill do not have to be shovel ready. So those, like Terre Haute's wastewater treatment facility project, could receive federal money.

The current wastewater treatment plant does not meet EPA standards, so costly improvements need to be made.

"One of the most expensive things we'll ever have to tackle as the city of Terre Haute," Mayor Duke Bennett said. "We're talking somewhere between $125-150 million."

But money to pay for this is not in the city's budget, so higher sewer bills will pay for it.

With government funding, though, the project could proceed with a smaller hit to water bills and wallets.

"If you were able to get some funding to help us pay for that, then we wouldn't have to raise those rates as much down the road," Bennett said.

The first increase in sewer rates to pay for the treatment facility was in August.

Another is expected in January of 2012.

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