In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving the city's sewer system, leveraging funding from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law. The proposed bond resolution, totaling nearly $23 million, will allow the city to secure a remarkable 50% grant, a rare opportunity that may not be available in the coming years.

The project focuses on separating combined sewer systems into distinct sanitary and stormwater lines in two key areas: Lincoln Avenue and parts of East Utica. The separation is expected to enhance stormwater quality and improve the efficiency of sanitary sewer flow to treatment facilities.

Officials highlighted the Lincoln Avenue area as particularly prone to flooding due to combined sewer overflow issues. The East Utica project will address several streets, including Post, Lansing, Blaine, and Mary Streets, as well as Bleecker Street, which are among the city's oldest infrastructure.

The timing of this initiative is crucial, as the availability of federal grants may diminish in the near future, making it imperative for the city to act swiftly to secure these funds and improve its aging sewer infrastructure.