Sewage fix in 2009? (01/15/08)

It now looks as if it will be August of 2009 before a sewage problem near Foxfire Drive, southwest of Portland, is resolved to the satisfaction of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Jay County Commissioners received a copy Monday afternoon of a revised compliance schedule submitted to IDEM on behalf of the Jay County Regional Sewer District outlining how work is expected to proceed.

Under the schedule prepared by Commonwealth Engineering, Indianapolis, the sewer district will retain rate and financial consultants by March of this year and submit plans and specifications to IDEM in May.

A construction permit would be expected from IDEM by September, and the project would be advertised for bids in October. Bids would be opened in November, and local financing for the project would be secured by February of 2009.

Construction would start in March 2009, with substantial completion by June.

The sewer system, which would link the area to Portland's Wastewater Treatment plant, would go into operation in July 2009, with complete compliance by August.

In other business, commissioners discussed vandalism problems and space problems at the Jay County Courthouse Annex on West Arch Street.

The health department is securing quotes on outdoor security cameras in an effort to stop vandalism at the property, while the Jay County Cooperative Extension Service is proposing an addition and remodeling of the structure to provide more space and bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Commissioner Faron Parr expressed skepticism about investing more money into the building and suggested there are other properties that might be more suitable.[[In-content Ad]]