Date:

March 4, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Steve Masters, Utilities Administrator, 441-7588

Nick McElvain, Lincoln Water System, 441-5931

Mayor Chris Beutler announced today that construction will begin this spring on major water transmission line project from Greenwood to Lincoln. The project will increase water capacity from 100 million gallons per day to 160 million gallons per day to meet the future growth needs of the City.

The project will install 10 miles of 60-inch pipe and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2009. The $22-million project is being funded through user fees, revenue bonds and impact fees.

“The new transmission main will allow us to match the ultimate capacity of the City well fields near Ashland,” said Project Manager Nick McElvain, Operations Support Manager for the Lincoln Water System. “The project also will provide us with a second line separated from the existing main for security and emergency purposes.”

McElvain said an easement was purchased for the project about 20 years ago, but the route had to be re-analyzed due to the growth of Waverly, the widening of Interstate 80 and the plans for the East Beltway. He said the new alignment was chosen based on many factors, including public input, environmental issues and cost.

Information on this and other Public Works and Utilities projects is available on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: projects).