Leesburg Looks At Ways To Fund Sewer System
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Leesburg - Town officials are keeping their options open in the ongoing search for money to fund construction of a sewer system.
Officials said they expect to learn by May whether they can qualify for grant money that is intended for residents with moderate income levels.
A survey by Ball State University that assesses the income levels of residents could be under way within a few weeks, said town council president Bob Cleveland.
The only information Ball State will give is the cumulative income level, Cleveland said. Individual income levels will not be released.
If the town qualifies, the grant could provide upward of $500,000 through the department of commerce.
The town is also interested in a handful of other state and federal money, Cleveland said.
Leesburg has already been informed it could use $200,000 from the Build Indiana Fund. Another source of money is a state revolving loan fund that could yield upward of $1 million with a low interest rate.
Cleveland said they are also eyeing the state's $1.2 billion surplus and contacted state lawmakers to voice their interest.
Urgency about the need for sewers stepped up recently after the county health department informed the town that high levels of bacteria are evident in a nearby ditch, which is an indication that sewage is seeping into the storm sewer that drains into the ditch.
As a result, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued a warning of noncompliance Dec. 26.
Officials are uncertain of the exact source of pollution, but believe it is from septic systems that are leaching.
Cleveland said he doesn't believe any of the downtown businesses are causing the problem. If retailers are linked to the contamination, though, the businesses could be forced to close because of the lack of room to construct a septic system for the downtown, he said.
Town leaders met with state department officials last month to assess the situation and discuss financing.
While the report puts more pressure on the town, it "could be a tool for the town" to seek government support, said councilman Steve Rodgers.
Financial support will likely determine whether construction of a sewage system is viable, Cleveland said. He said the town is not interested in a project that would not encompass "user friendly" fees.
The town has already entertained at least one proposal they turned down because of the estimated cost.
Grant money would help reduce those costs to an acceptable level.
Three people, including two who voiced concerns about the issue, attended Tuesday's meeting.
If a sewer is not feasible, the town may go door to door to determine what septic systems are causing the trouble, Cleveland said.
No decisions would be made without a series of public meetings, he said. [[In-content Ad]]
Leesburg - Town officials are keeping their options open in the ongoing search for money to fund construction of a sewer system.
Officials said they expect to learn by May whether they can qualify for grant money that is intended for residents with moderate income levels.
A survey by Ball State University that assesses the income levels of residents could be under way within a few weeks, said town council president Bob Cleveland.
The only information Ball State will give is the cumulative income level, Cleveland said. Individual income levels will not be released.
If the town qualifies, the grant could provide upward of $500,000 through the department of commerce.
The town is also interested in a handful of other state and federal money, Cleveland said.
Leesburg has already been informed it could use $200,000 from the Build Indiana Fund. Another source of money is a state revolving loan fund that could yield upward of $1 million with a low interest rate.
Cleveland said they are also eyeing the state's $1.2 billion surplus and contacted state lawmakers to voice their interest.
Urgency about the need for sewers stepped up recently after the county health department informed the town that high levels of bacteria are evident in a nearby ditch, which is an indication that sewage is seeping into the storm sewer that drains into the ditch.
As a result, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued a warning of noncompliance Dec. 26.
Officials are uncertain of the exact source of pollution, but believe it is from septic systems that are leaching.
Cleveland said he doesn't believe any of the downtown businesses are causing the problem. If retailers are linked to the contamination, though, the businesses could be forced to close because of the lack of room to construct a septic system for the downtown, he said.
Town leaders met with state department officials last month to assess the situation and discuss financing.
While the report puts more pressure on the town, it "could be a tool for the town" to seek government support, said councilman Steve Rodgers.
Financial support will likely determine whether construction of a sewage system is viable, Cleveland said. He said the town is not interested in a project that would not encompass "user friendly" fees.
The town has already entertained at least one proposal they turned down because of the estimated cost.
Grant money would help reduce those costs to an acceptable level.
Three people, including two who voiced concerns about the issue, attended Tuesday's meeting.
If a sewer is not feasible, the town may go door to door to determine what septic systems are causing the trouble, Cleveland said.
No decisions would be made without a series of public meetings, he said. [[In-content Ad]]