Cedar Falls moves forward on South Main sewer work for Area 1; areas 2 and 3 fail to pass

The Cedar Falls Committee of the Whole voted April 21 to move ahead with construction of the South Main sanitary sewer for Area 1 only, after hearing a presentation from Director Chase Schrage and extended public comment from residents in the affected neighborhoods.

The proposal would extend a gravity sewer to properties currently served by septic systems across three adjacent zones that together include 18 parcels and about 23 acres; 13 of the parcels contain existing homes. ‘‘The project goal was to extend gravity sewer to properties that are currently unserved,’’ Director Chase Schrage said during the presentation. Council members approved proceeding with Area 1 and rejected separate motions to proceed with Areas 2 and 3.

The decision follows months of outreach and revised cost estimates. Staff presented the full three‑area cost picture: construction estimates for all three areas combined total about $425,000 and estimated permanent and temporary easement payments around $185,000. After deductions (including one parcel already connected) the city estimates it would recoup roughly $320,000 through tapping fees; the city would absorb remaining project costs. Schrage said the city currently has a design contract with AECOM for…