Bryant sewer grant sought (10/6/04)

Help could be on the way for a severe problem with storm water run-off and sewage in Bryant that has, in some cases, caused water to spray like a fountain from toilets located in homes.

The town is applying for a planning grant from the Indiana Department of Commerce to figure out causes and solutions, Jay County Community Developer Wayne Bailey told members of a local economic development board Tuesday.

During periods of moderate to heavy rain, so much run-off is getting into the town’s sewer system that the lift station that pumps the sewage is being overwhelmed. A photo in the grant application shows water spraying from a toilet.

Bailey, who wrote the grant application, said that the $40,000 grant, if awarded, would pay for preliminary engineering into the causes and possible solutions for the problem.

Bailey also said that several areas of the town have persistent problems with drainage of storm water.

“They’ve tried on their own to remedy some of the spots, but in doing that ... it creates problems somewhere else,” Bailey said this morning.

Bailey also updated members of the Jay County Development Corporation board on several other ongoing projects — including the recent bid opening for a fire truck in Pennville and progress on that town’s comprehensive plan in preparation for a zoning ordinance.

He said that the town’s application for a transportation enhancement grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation for a streetscape project along Ind. 1 was recently denied. Bailey said a meeting between town and INDOT officials is being planned to discuss the project. The application will be filed again.

Bailey also said Tuesday that money from a small business revolving loan fund in Redkey is still available and may have to be returned to the United States Department of Agriculture if not used soon.

Also Tuesday, JCDC executive director Robert Quadrozzi reminded board members of two planning meetings this week.

The kick-off of an entrepreneurial community assessment program will be held tonight from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria at East Jay Middle School.

A meeting to provide input for an ongoing update of Jay County’s strategic plan will be held Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. — also in the East Jay cafeteria.

“We want your input,” Quadrozzi said.

Quadrozzi also asked members of his board to support a county-backed high-speed Internet project. The project, by Indianapolis-based Omnicity Inc., could provide wireless high-speed Internet throughout the county. Jay County Commissioners last week approved a loan to the company of up to $380,000.

The first customers could be online in 60 to 120 days, Quadrozzi said Tuesday.

In other business, JCDC board members:

•Learned from Quadrozzi that three Portland-area industries are planning expansions. The projects could add 150,000 to 175,000-square feet of space and create 50 to 125 jobs, he said.

•Heard Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier, a member of the board, report that he is attempting to obtain federal funding for the city’s Wayne Street/Boundary Pike sewer/street reconstruction project. Hosier recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the funding. He said he will be holding a follow-up meeting in the coming weeks with staff of U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-6th Dist.).

•Accepted the resignations of board members Donald Gillespie and Chuck Rife and approved Fred Conchan, the plant manager at Tyson Mexican Original, as a new member of the board.[[In-content Ad]]