NORWICH – The City of Norwich provided state officials with a list of 10 infrastructure projects that could begin within six to nine months under President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan.
Obama’s plan focuses on creating jobs and improving the country’s deteriorating infrastructure. Although the details of the plan are still being hammered out, local municipalities are submitting possible projects that could begin within six to nine months if they had the funding to move forward.
Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano listed several priority projects as well as discussed the need for rail service. “The operation of the railroad is essential to retaining and attracting business development, not only to the city, but to the entire Chenango Valley,” the mayor said. “Therefore, anything that can be done to reopen the line would be considered a vital infrastructure contribution to the future of the area.”
The 10 additional projects listed included some projects that the city is currently working on, and others that are planned to take place over the next several years. “These projects are planned out over many years, but if we had the money available, we could move forward with them sooner,” Maiurano said.
One of those projects, the replacement of the Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs) at the wastewater treatment plant, is currently in the works. The project will cost approximately $4.5 million and could be ready to go to construction in April.
The construction of a new drinking water filtration plant was also high on the priority list. The plant would replace the current filter plant, which is approximately 104-years old.
“As with the sewer project, through inter-municipal coordination and cooperating agreements, it will serve residents and businesses in the Greater Norwich Area and is likewise an essential economic development component,” Maiurano said. He explained the project would cost $8.5 million and would be ready for construction by August 15.
Other projects mentioned include:
• Replacing the water storage tank – A 1.5 million gallon water storage tank in the city water system would be replaced at a cost of $1.5 million. The project could go to construction by June 1.
• Replacing the screw pumps in the sewer system – The project would replace the current equipment with submersible equipment to ensure uninterrupted service during periods of heavy flooding. The pumps would cost approximately $4.5 million and would be ready for construction around May 15.
• Replacing streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer mains – In some areas of the city, water and sewer mains are over 100 years old. Those areas require extensive renovations at an estimated cost of $4.5 million. Construction could begin by Aug. 15.
• Replacing the highway department’s salt barn – a new building would replace the deteriorated one that currently is being used, allowing for more storage space and meeting environmental standards. The project would cost $1 million and would be ready for construction by June 1.
• Installation of an emergency generator for the city water system – a standby emergency generator would be installed on one of the city’s wells to ensure reliable water service during emergencies. The project would cost $300,000 and would be ready for construction by March 1.
• Infrastructure development near residential housing – The project would call for the installation of streets, curbing, storm drains, water and sewer mains in the Norwich Highlands sector of the city. The project would cost approximately $1.9 million and construction could begin by Aug. 15.
• Parking infrastructure – The project would include the creation of a parking garage facility in downtown Norwich. The estimated cost is not currently available. The construction could begin by Aug. 15.
• Renovation of the third floor of the firehouse – The project would allow city hall offices to be moved from the old train depot building to the third floor of the firehouse. The project would cost approximately $350,000 and would be ready for construction around Feb. 1.
The details of the economic stimulus package will not be determined until Obama takes office. “Our projects will be considered as part of the total package,” Maiurano explained. “[The economic stimulus package] could bring more money to our state officials who can provide the funds for our necessary projects.”