To carry out the recommendations, city leaders are proposing to increase current investment in capital improvement plans from $15 million to between $24 and $40 million. Management will recommend a water and sewer rate adjustment of 5 percent, and a 2 percent adjustment to the franchise fee. Such investments will begin the process of bringing the city’s water and wastewater system up-to-date. The funding also will pay for necessary street improvements as pipes are replaced.
Project Costs
An example of how the money will be used is found beneath the surface of Irving streets. Due to corrosion, multiple pipe breaks and associated maintenance, a critical recommendation includes replacing cast iron pipes with PVC pipes. The annual goal of replacing up to 28 miles of water and sewer pipes will cost the city $22 million each year. PVC pipes are better able to withstand corrosion, decrease risk of impacting water quality and carry a life cycle of more than 50 years.
An additional $6 to $12 million annually would be expended on several master plan projects, including an upgrade to the Delaware Creek Sewer and capacity improvements to the Hackberry, Northgate and MacArthur pump stations.
Neighborhood Water Improvements
Neighborhoods receiving water and sewer replacements during 2009-10 include, but are not limited to, the following:
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· Arts District |
· Lee Britain |
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· Barton Estates |
· North Austin Heights |
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· Grauwyler Heights |
· Northwest Park |
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· Hillcrest Oaks |
· Owen Point |
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· Irving Heights |
· Sherwood Forest |
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· Irving Heritage District |
· University Hills |
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· Lamar-Brown |
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