Water Main Upgrades Many of the aging water mains downtown have been patched so frequently that further repairs are no longer viable. The City has already secured $6.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to upgrade the water system. So far, these funds have been used to complete improvements from Locomotive Park to 9th Street, and the City hopes to continue these upgrades alongside other critical infrastructure projects. If the bond measure passes in the May election, it would provide additional funding to complete these projects more efficiently and cost-effectively. If the bond does not pass, ARPA funds will still be used for water system upgrades, but the City would miss the opportunity to maximize resources and address multiple infrastructure needs at the same time. "If we could upgrade water and sewer lines at the same time, versus digging up the road twice, that would be ideal," Public Works Director Dustin Johnson said. "If voters approve the G.O. bond we would be able to do just that, which would save them money, and prevent additional disruptions to traffic flow." Sewer Line Upgrades Did you know that all of Lewiston's wastewater from the south side of the river, including much of the Orchards, flows through downtown sewer lines? Lewiston?s main sewer line is 90 years old and was built for a city half its current size. It?s now at 70% capacity, with cracks and leaks that are nearly impossible to repair. If the sewer line fails, the consequences would be catastrophic, including sewage backup, property damage, and more. "Thenation?swastewater footprint includesover 800,000 milesof public sewersand 500,000 milesof privatelateral sewers." Source: 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card; infrastructurereportcard.org Additional Infrastructure Upgrades This transformation presents an opportunity for other public and private service providers to expand or enhance their infrastructure as well. Services such as fiber optic internet, electricity, and gas? critical to both daily life and city operations, including water and wastewater facilities? stand to benefit. By coordinating these upgrades while the City is already excavating for water, sewer, and storm drains, Lewiston can significantly reduce future costs and minimize disruptions, ensuring more efficient, reliable services for residents, businesses, and essential city functions.
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