Exciting Developments Ahead for Stormwater Drainage on Chestnut Street!
In a city known for its charm and community spirit, big changes are just around the corner for Chestnut Street! City officials have rolled up their sleeves and are diving into an improvement project aimed at enhancing stormwater drainage in the area. Thanks to a generous grant of over $3 million, this long-awaited project is finally making headway after sitting on the shelf for an impressive 40 years.
Understanding the Goals
Every city has its challenges, and for our bustling area, stormwater drainage has become a significant concern. Matt Powell, the city’s Environmental Manager, emphasizes just how critical this project is. “It’s going to be incredibly complex,” he mentioned, bringing to light the various factors at play, including urban growth and nearby medical facilities.
The project includes plans to construct a brand-new lift station and install a new sewer line stretching from East 4th Avenue all the way to the U.S. 31-W Bypass. Currently, the storm sewer system on Chestnut Street is operating at only one-third of its original design capacity. To make matters worse, the existing pump station is faulty, which has led to recurring flooding. The anticipated improvements will help mitigate these flooding issues, ensuring safety and comfort for residents and visitors alike.
What to Expect Next?
Although the grant funds have been secured, Powell notes that it’s still hard to pin down exactly when the work will kick off. Why the wait? It turns out that relocating utility lines is a huge aspect of this complicated project. “Pretty much, everyone has to move for us to move,” Powell explained. The intricate planning and necessary adjustments mean that residents should expect a bit of a wait, but rest assured, the goal is clear: a functioning stormwater system that supports our growing community.
With several storm sewer projects coming together, Powell anticipates that a design firm will be able to wrap up design and bidding packages concurrently in about four months. “It will definitely be under construction next year,” he assured, “but to say what month it would begin would really be a complete guess.”
Riverfront Park to Shine with New Changes!
In addition to the stormwater improvements, the city’s Riverfront Park is also getting some much-anticipated attention. City commissioners recently approved a friendly $1.1 million amendment with Louisville-based MKSK, Inc. to complete the design and construction administration for phases two and three of the park.
Phases and Plans
Brent Childers, head of Neighborhood and Community Services, highlighted the excitement surrounding these developments. With additional funding secured, the city is ready to move forward swiftly. “What this will do is finish up phase one, do all of phase two, and start phase three,” Childers noted.
So what’s in store? Phase one will enhance access to the scenic Barren River with a modern boat ramp and improvements along the riverbank. Phase two looks to expand the park over a former landfill area, and phase three will introduce the city’s upcoming whitewater park. The total cost for these three unique phases of development is an impressive $16 million.
Wrapping Up the Year
As the year comes to a close, has the city laid the groundwork for a promising future? It seems so! The recent meeting of the city commissioners marked the final gathering of the year, with plans to reconvene on January 7. Big changes are coming, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement buzzing in the air!
Stay tuned for updates as our city grows stronger and more beautiful, one project at a time. With the community’s support and the city’s dedication, brighter days are ahead for Chestnut Street and Riverfront Park!
