The City of Valparaiso has initiated a significant stormwater infrastructure project along Lincolnway and Weston Street, termed the Weston Street Stormwater Project. This effort is designed to lessen flooding, enhance stormwater management capabilities, and advance the City's long-term goal of separating stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.
This project represents a total investment of $2,371,858. It includes the installation of approximately 1,200 feet of new storm sewer lines and the replacement of existing water main infrastructure. Funding for the project includes $958,752 in federal State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alongside $356,559 from Drinking Water State Revolving Funds specifically for the water main replacement.
Mayor Jon Costas expressed gratitude to Congressman Frank Mrvan for his role in securing federal funding for the project. Mayor Costas stated that such projects underscore how strong communities are built through partnership, and he acknowledged the Congressman's efforts to bring federal resources to Valparaiso to address local needs affecting residents and businesses. He also highlighted the City's consistent investments over the past two decades, emphasizing a commitment to responsible stewardship and avoiding the transfer of deferred maintenance to future generations.
Congressman Mrvan attended the groundbreaking ceremony with City officials, project partners, and community representatives. He thanked Mayor Costas and City leaders for their successful initiative in securing federal funds to upgrade sewer infrastructure, encouraging continued momentum to attract new economic activity and prioritize the health and well-being of the region.
City Administrator Steve Poulos, who previously oversaw Valparaiso City Services, reminded attendees that the groundbreaking was initially delayed due to August storms. He noted that such weather events emphasize the importance of infrastructure, backup systems, and future planning. Poulos added that investments like the Weston Street project are vital for the "long-term stability and quality of life" in Valparaiso and the surrounding region.
This initiative is an integral part of Valparaiso’s two-decade commitment to separating storm and sanitary sewer systems. This broader effort aims to mitigate sewer backups, street flooding, and combined sewer overflows. Previous related projects have included sewer separation work on Valparaiso Street and Union Street, as well as major projects completed in the Jessee-Pifer neighborhood in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, a significant culvert replacement beneath the railroad tracks was completed in 2018, which increased the system's capacity and allowed more areas to route stormwater through that corridor.
The Weston Street project is expected to reduce the potential for flooding, provide protection for homes and businesses, improve the City's overall stormwater management system, and strengthen long-term infrastructure and community resiliency. The associated water main replacement also supports Valparaiso City Utilities' ongoing program to address aging infrastructure throughout the city.
Construction is set to commence this week. Work along Lincolnway is scheduled for the fall, with construction continuing next spring along Weston Street. The project is projected to extend north to the intersection of Chicago and Weston. Key preparatory milestones for the project 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. The design work for the project was completed by DLZ.
The City acknowledged the collaboration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congressman Mrvan's office, DLZ, and Grimmer Construction, along with the dedicated City staff and project teams. Residents and businesses located near the project area were also thanked for their anticipated patience and cooperation during the construction phase.
