Big money for Valley sewer project

WASHINGTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Washington officials are getting a $9 million grant from the state to improve the city's sewers.

Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman presented Mayor Larry Haag with the big check Tuesday afternoon.

The city is under an order from the Environmental Protection Agency to make improvements, no matter the cost. Currently, just 1/10th of an inch of rain is enough to put sewage into local waterways.

"We are so proud and grateful that we received a $9 million grant from the state of Indiana," said Mayor Haag.

The project will put in a roughly 4 million gallon holding tank along Oak Street that will collect much of the run-off. On 16th Street Road, crews will build a wetland that will handle even larger storms.

The grant comes from federal dollars related to the 2008 flooding disaster. But residents will see the big pay-off, with much lower utility bills. Plus, Haag believes a new system can also help attract new business.

The project's total cost is about $24 million. Construction should begin in mid-July and is scheduled to take 18 months to complete.