Officials developing Calumet Township drainage project

Published April 20, 2016

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with state and local agencies to develop a drainage and sewer project that will improve drainage and reduce flooding within unincorporated Calumet Township between Whitcomb and Marshall streets, north of 41Avenue and south of Ridge Road.

A project partnering agreement between the Corps and Lake County, Ind., is projected to be signed in July 2016. This will allow the agencies to get contracts in place for construction start in spring of 2017.

Partnerships are the key to successfully undertaking projects like this," Col. Christopher Drew, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, said. "I would like to thank our partners for working with us and look forward to construction start."

The project will provide a storm sewer to convey the runoff and provide a positive outlet to Cady Marsh Ditch.

"We are looking forward to the completion of this project," Michael Repay, Lake County commissioner, said. "We have been working over the last few years on several investments to improve the quality of life for residents in this area, this project will help us continue our efforts."

The Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure authority allows the Corps to assist local governments in planning, designing, and constructing water-related projects. Under this authority, Corps’ the Chicago District has received over $31.6 million in federal funds, including $3 million in FY 2016. Thirty-three environmental infrastructure projects have been developed in northwest Indiana, including 24 completed, five under construction, and four in design.

"This is a great partnership between Lake County, Congressman Visclosky, and the Army Corps to improve quality of life for our residents," Bill Emerson Jr., Lake County surveyor, said. "I want to thank Commissioner Repay for his commitment to improving the infrastructure of our community."

"I thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Lake County officials, including Commissioner Mike Repay and Surveyor Bill Emerson, for their work to invest in projects such as this to improve the quality of life for residents in unincorporated Calumet Township," Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-1) said.

Projects under the Section 219 authority are cost shared at 75 percent federal and 25 percent nonfederal. This project received $750,000 in federal funding. The local sponsor, Lake County Board of Commissioners, will contribute $242,000.


Contact
Vanessa Villarreal
312-846-5331
Vanessa.Villarreal@usace.army.mil

Release no. 16-003