The City of Valparaiso has commenced construction on the Weston Street Stormwater Project, a significant infrastructure undertaking designed to reduce localized flooding, improve stormwater management, and advance the City’s long-term effort to separate stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project, situated along Lincolnway and Weston Street, marks a total investment of $2,371,858.
This project involves the installation of approximately 1,200 feet of new storm sewer, coupled with the replacement of existing water mains. Funding for the initiative includes $958,752 in federal State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with $356,559 from Drinking Water State Revolving Funds designated for the water main replacement component.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas recognized Congressman Frank Mrvan for his support 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 efforts to bring federal resources to Valparaiso to address needs directly impacting residents and businesses. The Mayor also highlighted the City’s substantial infrastructure investments over the past two decades, affirming the City's commitment to responsible stewardship, aiming to avoid passing deferred maintenance to future generations.
Congressman Mrvan participated in the groundbreaking alongside City officials, project partners, and community representatives. He thanked Mayor Costas and City leaders for their successful initiative in securing vital federal funds for sewer infrastructure upgrades. Congressman Mrvan expressed a desire to continue building on this progress to attract new economic activity and prioritize the health and well-being of the region's residents.
City Administrator Steve Poulos, who previously led Valparaiso City Services, including Utilities, reminded attendees of recent August storms that necessitated the rescheduling of the groundbreaking event. He commented that such storms underscore the value of the city's infrastructure, backup systems, and future planning. Poulos further stated that investments such as the Weston Street project are crucial for Valparaiso’s long-term stability and quality of life, as well as for the region.
Construction on the Weston Street project is scheduled to begin this week. Work along Lincolnway is planned to proceed throughout the fall. Construction will continue next spring along Weston Street, with the project expected to extend northward to the intersection of Chicago and Weston.
This project is an integral part of the City's ongoing two-decade strategy aimed at separating storm and sanitary sewer systems. This long-term effort seeks to mitigate sewer backups, reduce street flooding, and control combined sewer overflows. Past initiatives contributing to this goal have included sewer separation work on Valparaiso Street and Union Street, as well as significant projects completed in the Jessee-Pifer neighborhood during 2012 and 2013. In 2018, the City also completed a major culvert replacement beneath railroad tracks, which increased system capacity and allowed additional areas to direct stormwater through the corridor.
The project reached several key preparatory milestones prior to the commencement of construction. These included the receipt of the EPA grant award notification in 2024, obtaining environmental approval in 2025, completing the 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 carried out by DLZ, and Grimmer Construction is performing the construction.
The anticipated outcomes of the Weston Street project include a reduction in the potential for flooding, enhanced protection for local homes and businesses, improvements to the City’s overall stormwater management system, and strengthened long-term infrastructure and community resiliency. The water main replacement aspect further supports Valparaiso City Utilities’ continuous program to address aging infrastructure throughout the city.
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 for their contributions in bringing the project from planning stages to construction. The City also thanked residents and businesses located near the project site for their anticipated patience and cooperation during the construction period.
