The Shenandoah City Council approved the use of about $740,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for two water and sewer infrastructure projects during a March 23 meeting.
The first project includes extending water and sewage services about 1,700 feet down Tamina Road to the railroad tracks located between Johnson and Hardy roads.
Shenandoah Public Works Director Joseph Peart said the second project will update and rehabilitate a gravity sewer line that travels under I-45.
“It is very old and the manholes are very old. ... It became a very big concern. It fits as a perfect project for what ARPA funds were designed for,” Peart said.
Council member Michael McCleod said it is important to bring water services down Tamina road.
“It is something we need to do,” McCleod said.
Shenandoah Mayor Ritch Wheeler said he believes the project is a good use of the funds.
“I cannot think of any other community that could use the American Rescue Plan more than Tamina,” Wheeler said. “This does not solve all of the problems, but it gets us one step closer to helping to provide ... some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Information from the city council agenda packet indicates the Tamina portion of the project will take about 68 weeks to complete, including design, bidding and construction. The I-45 manhole sewer crossing is anticipated to take about 33 weeks to complete.
The total cost of both water and sewage projects is estimated to cost $1.2 million. The ARPA funding will cover close to $740,000 and the rest will be covered by the city’s water and sewage fund.
Shenandoah Finance Director noted there could be more funding available from the Texas Department of Emergency Management to cover costs.
The council approved the use of the funds unanimously.
