Mayor Sue Lynch and Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced Wednesday, April 12 the funding of two projects essential to the quality of life in Portage.“Portage is truly honored and thankful to have the support of my friend and our First District Congressman Frank J. Mrvan on this vital, federal Community Project Funding request that will be a huge benefit to the City of Portage,” said Mayor Lynch.
The city is receiving $2.36 million in federal funding for phase 3 of the Central Avenue West Reconstruction Project and $1.1 million in Calumet Regional Environmental Infrastructure Section 219 funds for the second phase of its sanitary sewer inceptor project.“I congratulate Mayor Lynch, the City Council, and all the leaders of Portage for successfully leveraging local revenue to successfully secure these federal funds,” said Mrvan.
During a press conference held at Portage City Hall, Lynch praised the partnership between the city and Mrvan and the importance of the funding to residents of the city.
“The federal dollars we will be receiving for the Central Avenue Reconstruction Project are going to be used to address inadequate safety conditions for both pedestrians and motorists along the project corridor. These dollars will also address deteriorating infrastructure along Central Avenue, reduce congestion along the corridor, and address much needed stormwater drainage issues,” said Lynch, adding Central Avenue is a vital east-west corridor which connects multiple communities in the region and is an important commercial corridor as well.
Phase 3 of the project will reconstruct Central Avenue between Dombey Road and Brandt Street, target for reconstruction in 2024.“This vitally important infrastructure project will improve a major East-West corridor in downtown Portage that will create more good-paying job opportunities. I am proud to work with the Mayor to not only promote more efficient commerce and public safety, but to also enhance the quality of life for residents throughout Northwest Indiana,” said Mrvan.
Federal dollars for the Phase II Sewer Interceptor Project will be utilized to reduce excess flow in the wastewater system due to inflow and infiltration and to reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflow events adjacent to wetland areas. It is an extension of a project completed last year with the assistance of similar federal funding. Phase II will likely be completed in 2024.
“These infrastructure investments are necessary in maintaining and improving the quality of life for the residents and businesses of Portage,” said Lynch. “Again, we are thankful to the Congressman for these monies, and know that without strong partnerships with the state and federal governments we could not be doing them.”