Lexington city council members have been briefed on a significant sewer improvement project which has benefitted from a major reduction in traffic and activity tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
Work to replace a trunk sewer line that runs along Euclid Drive and Avenue of Champions is running well over a year ahead of schedule. Lexington Water Quality Director Charlie Martin told members of the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee many other utilities have also been busy. “Every other utility took advantage of the opportunity while we were there along with UK being closed. You’ve had Columbia Gas, you’ve had Kentucky American, you’ve had UK contractors blow steam and electrical conduit. Everybody come do their work while they can,” said Martin.
Martin said the trunk sewer project is expected to be wrapped up by fall.
Lexington residents may have to foot part of the bill for the massive sewer improvement project for years to come. As the city began work on the federally ordered improvements close to a decade ago, a sewer user fee was established. During the committee meeting last week, Lexington Vice-Mayor Steve Kay asked how long the fee will be in place. “Basically, what the fees that we’ve imposed have covered, what we’ve borrowed, what obligation will be beyond the end of this project, so I think that’s an important part of our long range thinking about the overall financing of this government,” noted Kay.
Martin told council members all sewer construction is mandated to be completed by the end of 2026, or the city could face penalties. Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee Chair Bill Farmer said there will be a need to pay off borrowing costs beyond that date.?
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