The City of Valparaiso has initiated a major stormwater infrastructure project along Lincolnway and Weston Street, aiming to reduce flooding, enhance stormwater management, and advance the city’s long-term goal of separating stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. This undertaking, known as the Weston Street Stormwater Project, represents a total investment of $2,371,858, with construction commencing this week.
The project encompasses the installation of approximately 1,200 feet of new storm sewer and a vital water main replacement. Significant federal and state funding supports this investment, including $958,752 from federal State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An additional $356,559 from Drinking Water State Revolving Funds is allocated specifically for the water main replacement component of the work.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas acknowledged Congressman Frank Mrvan for his instrumental support in securing federal funds for the project. Mayor Costas stated, "Projects like this remind us that strong communities are built through partnership," expressing gratitude for Congressman Mrvan's efforts to direct federal resources to Valparaiso to address local needs. He also highlighted the city’s substantial infrastructure investments over the past two decades, affirming a commitment to "responsible stewardship and not passing deferred maintenance on to future generations."
Congressman Mrvan attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside City officials, project partners, and community representatives. He extended thanks to Mayor Costas and Valparaiso leaders for their efforts "to secure vital federal funds to upgrade our sewer infrastructure." Congressman Mrvan emphasized continuing this momentum to attract new economic activity and prioritize regional health and well-being.
City Administrator Steve Poulos, who previously oversaw Valparaiso City Services including Utilities, referenced recent August storms, noting they underscored the importance of infrastructure, backup systems, and future planning. Poulos remarked that investments like the Weston Street project are "so important to the long-term stability and quality of life" in Valparaiso and the region.
This Weston Street project forms a segment of the City's ongoing two-decade initiative to separate storm and sanitary sewer systems. This broader effort addresses issues such as sewer backups, street flooding, and combined sewer overflows. Past projects under this initiative have included sewer separation work along Valparaiso Street and Union Street, as well as significant projects completed in the Jessee-Pifer neighborhood during 2012 and 2013. Further, the City executed a major culvert replacement beneath the railroad tracks in 2018, which boosted the system’s capacity and enabled additional areas to route stormwater through that corridor.
Upon completion, the Weston Street project is expected to diminish the potential for flooding, safeguard homes and businesses, refine the City’s stormwater management capabilities, and reinforce long-term infrastructure and community resiliency. The water main replacement also aligns with Valparaiso City Utilities’ continuing program to upgrade aging infrastructure throughout the city.
Construction along Lincolnway is scheduled for the fall, with work continuing next spring along Weston Street. The project is anticipated to extend northward to the intersection of Chicago and Weston. Key preparatory milestones leading to construction included the EPA grant award notification in 2024, environmental approval in 2025, the completion of engineering design in spring 2026, and the City’s award of the construction contract to Grimmer Construction in June of the current year. The design for the project was provided by DLZ, and Grimmer Construction is the firm carrying out the construction.
The City recognized the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congressman Mrvan’s office, DLZ, and Grimmer Construction. Appreciation was also extended to City staff and project teams who guided the project from planning stages to construction, as well as to residents and businesses in the vicinity for their patience and understanding during the construction period.
