St. Joseph city officials are preparing to update the public on a couple of infrastructure projects receiving funding from the Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Program next month.
St. Joseph City Engineer Tim Zebell tells us there will be two projects covered by the fund in the next year or so.
“We’re seeking a $5 million loan,” Zebell said. “About $3.75 million is going towards lead service lines, another million or so goes towards the Botham Avenue reconstruction project, and then there’s some contingency in there.”
Zebell says Botham Avenue between Morton Street and the hospital was reconstructed in 2015, and next year Botham from Morton to Niles Avenue will be reconstructed.
Also, the city is using revolving fund loans to replace lead water service lines all over the community.
“We’re going to focus this year on our areas that were reconstructed before. So, it’s predominantly private side service line replacements, not in the public right of way. So we basically have your water main and you have the service that comes from there to the curb stop and the tree lawn, and then from the curb stop and the tree lawn into the home.”
The water line work is ongoing, while the Botham project is expected to start around next March.
Zebell notes there are currently workers with the city asking residents for permission to photograph their water pipes as part of the lead line work. It’s required by the state, and if someone shows up at your door with such a request, make sure to see their credentials.
A portion of the May 13 St. Joseph City Commission meeting will be set aside for city leaders to address the public about both projects.
