St. Joseph City Commissioners have accepted a $1.4 million state grant for the upcoming Upton Drive reconstruction project. At a meeting this past week, City Engineer Tim Zebell told the commissioners the state TEDF grant was originally $1 million, but some help from Abonmarche got that up to the $1.4 million. Of course, Zebell told us the overall project will cost $7.5 million.
“What we’re looking at now is $1.4 million in TEDF, or Transportation and Economic Development grant funding, for roads and drainage,” Zebell said. “We have $1.3 million in DWSRF, or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund low interest loan with some grant monies assigned to that. Then $1.1 million in CWSRF for the sewer side of things. So, grantwise and with low interest loans, we’re at $3.8 million, leaving the city’s share at $3.7 million.”
Zebell says the work will rebuild Upton Drive from Momany Drive to the St. Joseph River and also involve the replacement of a sewer line under the river. Increased costs have complicated things, and the city has to assess soil contamination on neighboring properties before proceeding. Still, the plan is to open bids in June and start the construction in September.
