By PAT SHAVER, Courier staff writer
OTTUMWA — City officials continue to look for ways to fund the major sewer separation project.
U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack met with city officials Wednesday to discuss the sewer separation and other city projects.
Scott McCarty, with the engineering department, said the sewer separation project is in its third phase. The first two phases are complete. He estimated the third phase would be finished in six months. The goal is to separate the combined sewer overflow system (CSO) which handles both wastewater and storm water throughout the city.
“The sewer system is ancient,” Loebsack said, adding that it is very expensive to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for sewer systems. Other communities like Keokuk and Clinton are dealing with similar issues.
City Planning Director Dave Shafer said the project is “critical for economic growth.”
“The total cost is a moving target. It’s very expensive,” he said.
Loebsack has helped secure funding for the project in the past, and said he will continue looking for federal funding opportunities.
Another major project is improvements to City Hall, Shafer said. The city secured I-Jobs funding to improve energy efficiency and renovate the Fourth Street entrance into the building.
Shafer said the city had been looking for ways to fund the improvements for several years, and officials are happy to finally get the projects going.
The meeting was part of Loebsack’s “Investing in Iowa” tour through the state. Other stops include Cedar Rapids, Keokuk and Fairfield.
Loebsack has been involved in securing about $300,000 in federal funds for water and infrastructure improvements in Ottumwa, and about $2 million for the Fairfield National Guard facilities.
Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or by e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.
