The Preston City Council was told the city’s wastewater treatment plant project is roughly 90% complete and is expected to begin operations before the end of the year, city leaders said.

Mayor (not specified) told the council the original construction bid was “just about $70,000,000,” and that the council had committed to a maximum city debt of $34,000,000; he said the remainder has been covered by grants. He said federal and state rules limit how leftover grant funds may be used, and that officials were directed not to reduce indebtedness with those grant funds.

The mayor warned residents that large sewer repairs will impact traffic on Main Street. “Main Street will be limited to one lane for we hope only two weeks or maybe three weeks,” he said, adding the segment affected runs to First East and that crews are attempting to re-bore the line to avoid tearing up the entire block. He said a separate project by the railroad near First South is “dicey” because the tracks cannot be moved and that another new sewer line is planned on First West Street going north.

Council members and staff urged patience, saying the work will be disruptive but will provide long-term infrastructure benefits. The mayor noted the project will “last for way over 50 years.”

City staff also asked residents to monitor the city website and opt in for notifications for up-to-date information on closures and schedule changes.

The council did not take a formal vote on the wastewater project at this meeting; the item was an informational update and schedule notice.

Background: Council members said the wastewater plant construction has been underway for more than three years and that work on associated sewer lines has been discussed by the council for nearly a decade. The mayor said guidance from federal and state grantors constrained the city’s options for using remaining project funds.

Short-term impact: City leaders said Main Street business access and neighborhood circulation will be affected while crews complete the re-boring and related pipe work, and urged use of city notifications to stay informed.