Village engineer Kevin Driscoll told the Public Works and Highway Committee on Nov. 5 that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has concurred with an open-channel alternative to the previously proposed enclosed storm sewer for the Division Road corridor between Jefferson Creek and Lilac Lane.

"The good news...is that we have concurrence with that, so we're able to move forward with this project," Driscoll said, explaining that DNR concurrence removes a regulatory choke point created by the floodplain and allows staff to finalize plat updates and schedule property appraisals. He said the open-channel approach reduces the estimated cost for roughly 900 feet of sewer infrastructure by a notable amount (staff said the enclosed-pipe estimate for that segment exceeded half a million dollars) and improves water quality by providing an open swale and wetland vegetation in the channel.

Driscoll said the project team will aim to finalize design this winter, pursue grant financing and keep 2026 as the target year for construction. He noted coordination remains with utilities (including a 12-inch gas main) and that slope grading will be designed to meet established development handbook standards where possible. He also said some tree removal and right-of-way or easement acquisition will be required.

Committee members asked about cost savings, impacts to trail connectivity and how right-of-way widths will affect slope geometry; staff said appraisals and final design will clarify outstanding questions.