Public forum addresses issues facing Fort Wayne sewer system
Between now and 2025, Fort Wayne City Utilities will invest more than $240 million dollars to upgrade its outdated sewer system. The investments in sewers are vital for better health, a stronger economy and a cleaner future for the City of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Tom Henry is inviting the public to a community forum on sewer infrastructure. The forum will be Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. in the auditorium at South Side High School, 3601 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The free event is hosted by City Utilities and PBS-39. It offers an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to learn more about plans for sewer upgrades, to ask questions about those plans, the federal mandates facing the City, and funding.
The evening will begin with excerpts from a documentary called “Liquid Assets.” The video tells the similar stories of cities across the country which are dealing with issues with their utility systems ' their “liquid assets.” The program is about the utility systems that cities depend on every day for treatment and distribution of clean drinking water, removal and treatment of sewage, and stormwater systems that provide drainage for our streets and neighborhoods. The issues that are causing utility rates to go up in cities such as Atlanta and Pittsburgh are the same issues that the City of Fort Wayne is facing.
After the video, a panel from Fort Wayne City Utilities, City Council, and Clean Rivers Task Force will answer questions and discuss Fort Wayne's plans for utility infrastructure investments. The public is encouraged to attend to ask questions and learn more.
The entire 90-minute Liquid Assets documentary will be shown on public television station WFWA PBS-39 on February 22 at 1:00 PM. Following the documentary PBS-39 will air a pre-recorded panel discussion involving members of the Clean Rivers Task Force and City Utilities.