Cost estimate for Illinois sewer project jumps to $309 million
The estimated expenses for a required combined sewer overflow project in Peoria, Illinois, have risen significantly. The city is required to complete projects aimed at reducing discharges from the combined sewer overflow by 2039, following a violation of the Clean Water Act in 2006.
In 2021, an agreement was made to address these issues, but during a recent city council meeting, members learned that the project's costs have increased by $200 million, bringing the total to approximately $309 million.
Third District Councilman Tim Riggenbach mentioned on WMBD’s “The Phil Luciano Show” that factors such as inflation and the necessity of constructing a more than six million-gallon overflow tank near the Cedar Street Bridge, estimated at around $60 million, have contributed to the cost hike. "It's unusual for a councilmember to be without words—I found myself flabbergasted. This is far beyond typical expectations," Riggenbach stated.
The city has proposed several green infrastructure options to mitigate the issue, but Riggenbach noted that there is a lack of sandy soil needed for some of these solutions. He indicated that the increased expenses will likely be managed through adjustments to sewer bills. However, he pointed out a potential advantage—access to a bond through the Illinois EPA, which offers an interest rate of 2%.
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