Shreveport seeks extension as sewer system repairs near $1 billion cost
Shreveport, Louisiana, is seeking a multi-decade extension to complete federally mandated wastewater system upgrades as total project costs are now projected to reach $1 billion.
The city has already spent more than $450 million addressing deficiencies identified under a 2014 EPA consent decree aimed at reducing sewer overflows and bringing the system into compliance with the Clean Water Act, according to The Center Square. The original plan called for completion within 12 years, but city officials now say an additional 15 to 20 years will be needed.
Progress has slowed in recent years due to funding constraints, with officials citing limited financial capacity to complete all required upgrades. Completed work includes sewer line cleaning and inspection, lift station repairs, manhole rehabilitation and hydraulic modeling updates for key system components.
The rising cost of the program has also placed pressure on ratepayers, The Center Square reported. Sewer rates increased 177% between 2013 and 2022, and officials say further increases could strain affordability, particularly for low-income residents.
The city is pursuing additional funding through federal loans, state grants and local bond programs, while also negotiating potential relief from $17.7 million in federal penalties tied to the consent decree.
Related News
From Archive
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- Fiber construction market looks very strong through 2030
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion
Comments