Sewer Rate Increase to Help Pay for Storm Water Projects

News Release: From: City of Evansville Rate Increase to Help Pay for Storm Water Projects (EVANSVILLE, IN)- The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Board today approved a rate increase which will help pay for projects that will decrease flooding and raw sewage overflows from the city’s antiquated combined sewer system. Residents can expect to see their bills increase by approximately $3.45 a month, to pay for $18,500,000 in projects funded via the State of Indiana’s Revolving Fund, a low-interest loan program offered to local governments for water quality improvement work. Funds from the rate increase will be used to complete design work on the Brookside and Cass Avenues storm water projects, complete construction on the Southeast Side Sewer Separation project, increase capacity at the West Side Waste Water Treatment Plant and begin facilities design for the East Side Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan. The rate increase will also cover preliminary design of the Pfeiffer Road Lift Station Replacement/Highway 41 Sewer Interceptor. The existing Pfeiffer Road Lift Station is near capacity. “My administration is dedicated to helping the people in this city who cannot count on having a safe, dry home due to years of flooding,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “This rate increase will help generate the necessary funds to continue and complete several important storm water and sewer projects.” In 2004, City Council approved a 15.76% rate increase to be phased in over several years. The first phase of 6.2% was implemented in May 2007. The 17.1% increase approved today by the Utility Board includes the remaining 9.56% from the original proposal in 2004 and 7.54% to cover inflationary increases since. The sewer rate increase will now go before City Council. If approved, it will go into effect on August 1, 2008.