Plagued by a recent series of line breaks, the Cleveland Mayor and City Council are poised to embark on a long-term upgrade of the town’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.
WRWH reports that at a recent council retreat, the city’s engineer presented a comprehensive assessment outlining Cleveland’s water and sewer needs over the next five to ten years. City Manager Kevin Harris said the report will guide the city’s capital improvement plan beginning with this year’s budget.
The assessment identifies $7.23 million in sewer upgrades and $6.03 million in water system improvements. Harris said the work includes replacing deteriorating water lines, improving system reliability, expanding sewer capacity and reducing the likelihood of service interruptions and boil‑water advisories.
In the current budget, the city has dedicated $1.2 million toward sewer improvements as part of what Harris described as a proactive approach to addressing deficiencies rather than reacting to emergencies.
The largest upcoming project is the Campbell Street sewer expansion, estimated at $3.9 million. The city has already secured a $2.5 million state grant to support the work.