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City seeks federal funding for $12M retention basin; residents press MSD for clarity on possible buyouts
Summary
City staff said a major retention/detention basin project is at roughly 35% design completion and estimated at about $12 million, with the city responsible for about 35% of the cost; councilors and ward members said they have repeatedly sought Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) engagement about proposed property impacts and urged MSD to hold community briefings.
City staff told council that the retention/detention basin project is moving through design and that mid-design milestones are expected in early 2026, with construction anticipated in a later federal appropriations cycle. "It is about $12 million, maybe more at this point," Rose said, adding that the city expects to cover roughly 35% of the cost and will seek federal construction funding.
Separately, council members and staff described repeated attempts to obtain a public briefing from the Metropolitan Sewer District about a related MSD project. Ward councilors reported residents are hearing rumors about property acquisitions and plan changes. "We have reached out to the Metropolitan Sewer District multiple times ... and asked about their willingness to have a study session presentation to the mayor and council as well as a community meeting ... without success," a staff member said, noting MSD has indicated it may present but has not supplied a date.
Councilors urged staff to continue pressing MSD for a prompt community meeting: residents living along potentially affected blocks said they are considering selling or adjusting plans because of uncertainty and rumor. Council members emphasized that timely, direct communication with homeowners is necessary to avoid distress and speculation.
What happens next: staff will continue to pursue federal funding for the retention basin, refine cost estimates and the city share, and press MSD to set dates for briefings to affected neighborhoods and the council. No formal commitment of funds beyond the design and advocacy timeline was made in the session.
