EAST CHICAGO, Ind. - Today, Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-1), officials from East Chicago, Ind., and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the East Chicago pipe lining project.
"We have the daunting task of correcting years of deferred maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure," East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland said. "With the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers we have chosen a tried but true systematic approach."
The project will reline the existing sanitary sewer system in the City of East Chicago, at the following locations: Tod Avenue from Johnson Street to 140th Street, Baring Avenue from 145th to Columbus Drive, and Indianapolis Blvd. from Chicago Avenue to 148th Street. The sewer will be relined with cured-in-place piping, to reduce infiltration of storm water into East Chicago's sanitary sewer system.
"This project will repair the existing leaks and extend the life of select portions of the sanitary sewer system within East Chicago," District Commander Col. Frederic Drummond Jr. said. "We’re happy to work with our partners on a project that will alleviate leakage and resulting basement flooding in this residential area."
"As we break ground on job-creating slip lining work in East Chicago's sewers, I am reminded of what local leaders can accomplish by working together," Rep. Peter Visclosky said. "From North Harbor and the revitalization of the downtown business district to the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal to the start of the sewer improvements celebrated today, we are collaborating, sharing information, and working together to move Northwest Indiana's economy
forward. These necessary investments in the existing infrastructure will improve the quality of life for residents in East Chicago. I commend Mayor Copeland, the City of East Chicago, Visu-Sewer Clean and Seal, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, and the community at large for their constant work and persistent effort to make these enhancements a reality."
Visu-Sewer Clean & Seal, Inc., was awarded a contract on Sept. 27, 2012, for $652,628. Field construction work is projected to begin in June 2013 and end in summer 2013. The local sponsor is the City of East Chicago.