Westport, In. — Members of Westport Town Council learned the estimated cost to upgrade their water infrastructure will be about $4.4 million. The new system would increase water pressure to the north part of the city by installing a 6-inch water main, water lines along Mulberry, North and Schott Streets will be upgraded and new meters, including an electronic communications system will be used to improve the accuracy of meter readings and more efficient leak detection.
The proposed funding source is a 2.375-percent, 40-year loan through the USDA Rural Utility Service. The plan is expected to increase rates by about 30-percent.
Plans using rural water services in Decatur or Jennings Counties resulted in an estimated increase of 50-percent.
Engineers from Indianapolis-based Commonwealth Engineering told town leaders the existing water distribution system was constructed in 1980 and has reached the end of its service life.
The Westport town council has scheduled a vote and hearing about the project for April 9.
-0-
