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Linton engineering team details lead service-line inventory and $66.7 million replacement estimate
Summary
At a public hearing, Commonwealth Engineering presented a preliminary engineering report that documents Linton's lead-service-line inventory, estimates roughly 233 unknown lines may require replacement, and gives a PER cost estimate of about $66.7 million; state and federal SRF incentives could cover roughly half the cost for disadvantaged communities, but interior home plumbing would not be funded.
Drew, an engineer with Commonwealth Engineering, told a public hearing in Linton that the city's preliminary engineering report (PER) documents the need to identify and replace lead and galvanized service lines to meet EPA lead-and-copper rule milestones and to protect public health.
The PER lists 2,973 service lines in the city's system. Drew said about 8% of the identified lines are lead or galvanized (he cited 47 of 647 known lines) and that 2,326 service connections remain listed as “unknown.” Using the known rate as a projection, the PER estimates roughly 233 additional connections among the unknowns could require replacement, though the engineering team emphasized that potholing and field verification are required to confirm materials.
“The main objective is to focus on those unknowns to allow the city to determine the replacement needs,” Drew said, noting the figures are estimates until crews inspect each service connection.
The PER reports a total project estimate of about $66,725,000 to investigate unknowns and replace the projected lead/galvanized service lines; Drew cautioned the figure is approximate pending field work. He also outlined regulatory milestones the city must meet, including a service-line-replacement plan due by 11/01/2027 and a long-range deadline of 2037 to remove all lead/galvanized service lines from the system.
On financing, Commonwealth Engineering recommended applying to the Indiana Finance Authority State Revolving Fund (SRF). Drew said Linton likely qualifies as a disadvantaged community for SRF incentives, which commonly offer a 50% grant and a 50% 0% interest, 20-year loan for eligible projects. He described the SRF application process and noted a March 31 SRF submittal deadline tied to the current funding cycle; the council would need to pass resolutions to submit but would not be obligated to proceed with the construction if awarded funds.
Residents asked whether interior (premise) plumbing would be replaced under the program. Drew said SRF-funded work would extend to the service line at the curb stop or meter (the utility side) and would not cover interior home plumbing.
“Within the premise plumbing at this time, not with this program. There is not,” Drew said in response to a resident.
Drew gave an average unit estimate of about $15,000 per service-line replacement but emphasized costs vary widely by location, excavation needs and whether work requires road cutting. He said the city would secure right-of-entry from homeowners for contractor access; the contractor would perform yard restoration and finish work. The PER recommends further investigation (potholing) to confirm materials and refine the final scope and cost.
Next steps identified at the hearing included finishing the field verification of unknown service lines, passing resolutions to enable SRF application, and bringing design and funding decisions to the council for consideration.
The public hearing closed after council members and staff asked clarifying questions; no construction contract or binding appropriation was approved at the meeting.
