Sewer Fees to Spike 50%

Indianapolis-Marion County is expected to increase its sewer bills by 50% over the next five years as it gears up to begin a $750 million overhaul. The project, which begins next year and runs through 2013, is part of a $3.5 billion wastewater project that will go through 2025.

The municipality has an aging combined sewer and water system that must be updated to meet federal Environmental Protection Agency standards. The city in 2006 signed an agreement with the EPA to spend $1.8 billion on reducing system overflows alone.

To pay for the project, monthly average sewer rates will jump to $27 from $17.96 within the next five years, according to the Indianapolis Star. The Department of Public Works will hold a series of hearings this month on the $750 million plan. To raise money for the project, officials are also considering imposing a fee on restaurants that clog drains.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM BOND BUYER