The City of Valparaiso has broken ground on a significant stormwater infrastructure project along Lincolnway and Weston Street. The Weston Street Stormwater Project aims to reduce potential flooding, improve stormwater management, and continue the City's long-term initiative to separate stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. This undertaking, with a total investment of $2,371,858, includes the installation of approximately 1,200 feet of new storm sewer and a necessary water main replacement.
Funding for the project includes $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.
Mayor Jon Costas acknowledged Congressman Frank Mrvan for his role in securing the federal funding. Mayor Costas stated, "Projects like this remind us that strong communities are built through partnership." He expressed gratitude for Congressman Mrvan's support in bringing federal resources to Valparaiso to address needs that directly affect local residents and businesses. The Mayor 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 alongside City officials, project partners, and community representatives. He extended thanks to Mayor Costas and other Valparaiso leaders for their successful efforts in securing federal funds to upgrade sewer infrastructure. Congressman Mrvan indicated a desire to build on the project's momentum to attract new economic activity and prioritize the health and well-being of everyone in the region.
City Administrator Steve Poulos, who previously oversaw Valparaiso City Services, recalled the August storms that necessitated rescheduling the groundbreaking event. Poulos emphasized that such storms underscore the value of the city's infrastructure, backup systems, and future planning. He added that investments like the Weston Street project are crucial for Valparaiso’s long-term stability and quality of life.
Construction for the Weston Street project is set to begin this week. Work along Lincolnway is scheduled for the fall, with construction continuing next spring along Weston Street. The project is expected to extend north to the intersection of Chicago and Weston.
This project represents a crucial step in the City’s ongoing two-decade effort to separate storm and sanitary sewer systems, a strategy designed to mitigate sewer backups, street flooding, and combined sewer overflows. Previous related initiatives have included sewer separation work on Valparaiso Street and Union Street, as well as significant projects completed in the Jessee-Pifer neighborhood in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, a major culvert replacement beneath the railroad tracks in 2018 increased the system's capacity, allowing more areas to route stormwater through the corridor. The current water main replacement also supports Valparaiso City Utilities’ continuing program to upgrade aging infrastructure.
The Weston Street project is anticipated to reduce the potential for flooding, safeguard homes and businesses, enhance the City's stormwater management capabilities, and fortify long-term infrastructure and community resiliency.
The project reached several key stages before construction commenced. These included the EPA grant award notification in 2024, environmental approval in 2025, completion of engineering design in spring 2026, and the City’s award of the construction contract to Grimmer Construction in June. DLZ designed the project, and Grimmer Construction is carrying out the construction.
The City recognized the collaboration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congressman Mrvan's office, DLZ, and Grimmer Construction, along with City staff and project teams instrumental in moving the project from planning to execution. Residents and businesses located near the project site were also thanked for their anticipated patience and cooperation during the construction period.
