Mary Hansen
The State Journal-Register
The 5.5-inch deluge in early August that did major damage to the Illinois State Fairgrounds also highlighted the city’s aging sewage infrastructure as hundreds of residents’ basements flooded.
The Springfield City Council is set to discuss two programs Tuesday that could help with sewage issues. Homeowners could have access to more city funds to pay for upgrades to their houses’ plumbing. The city’s public works department could also have more money to remove sweet gum trees, which drop spiny seed capsules that find their way into sewers and contribute to backup problems.
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Another ordinance, introduced by Mayor Jim Langfelder, would use $300,000 from the city’s video gaming revenue to resume the overhead sewer program that pays for 75 percent, up to $3,500, of the cost of updating the drainage plumbing in older homes.
In many Springfield neighborhoods, there is a combined sewer system where rainwater is collected in the same pipes that carry sewage. During periods of heavy rains, more water sometimes flows into the system than it can handle, causing backups in homes. The program assists homeowners in updating plumbing in their homes so backups are less likely.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin pushed for an alternate funding source for the sewer program after hearing that about 40 households were on a waiting list.
“The (sewer) program is very important because property values decline when neighborhoods have frequent sewer backups,” McMenamin said. “The overhead sewer program is an attempt to allow homeowners to improve their properties and to remain in their homes.”
In November, public works officials announced they would slow down approving applications for the program because of budget concerns, but encouraged residents to continue to apply.
The sewer fund, which provides money for the program, has been struggling to keep up with regular operational costs, said city budget director Bill McCarty. A delayed reimbursement from the state of $1.2 million and income from city sewer fees that aren’t keeping up with costs are contributing to the cash-flow problem, he said.
Last fiscal year, more than 100 homeowners received money for sewer upgrades, costing the city $350,000. Since March, the city has helped 13 homeowners, providing about $44,000, according to public works.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 