County officials on Friday got a chance to brief U.S. Rep. Dave Obey on the status of projects for which he's helped garner federal money as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Among the projects Obey heard about was the reconstruction of County Road A, the progress on the long-planned sewer system in Parkland and other projects authorized under the 154 environmental project fund.
Obey said fund was established to authorize projects in advance of funding and allow local officials to decide which are most important. The fund has helped pay for projects like the sewer treatment ponds in the village of Superior, the improvements and holding pond at the city's Lift Station No. 6 and for planning and design for a new Parkland sewer system.
The Parkland Sanitary District has been working since 1989 to establish a sewer system in the town. Design work is complete, leaving only construction to accomplish the long-sought-after goal.
Among the projects reviewed is reconstruction of County Highway A in Solon Springs. About $1.6 million in federal funding is allocated for the 10.3-mile stretch of road between Highway 27 and Highways 2/53.
ADVERTISEMENT
The project is about 2 1/2 weeks from completion, said Paul Halverson, Highway Commissioner for Douglas County. The first layer of pavement was laid this week.
The village and town of Solon Springs joined forces Friday to recognize Obey's support efforts.
The Parkland Sanitary District, which covers only a portion of the town, adjacent to U.S. Highway 53 along a six-mile stretch of County Roads E, K, B, has spent years developing a plan to create a sanitary collection system in areas affected by red clay soils.
In 2001, the city of Superior agreed to allow the Parkland district to connect to the city's collection system for wastewater treatment. Since then, district officials have been developing plans and designing a system that will meet the city's requirements.
Eric Shaffer, an engineer and Parkland resident, said the district is ready to start construction. Money for construction has been allocated, he said.
Obey has been traveling through the district this month to learn more about how federal allocations are being spent.
"What I've been trying to do is use the month of August to go through and get an update on all the projects that we've got from previous appropriation bills or projects that just haven't been approved by the senate yet," he said. "That's so I can truthfully respond that I'm familiar with the projects and know they're not boondoggles. We're under the gun to make certain that what we do provide makes sense."
Sunday, Obey will be heading to the Apostle Islands for an update on the renovation of the Raspberry Island lighthouse, currently underway. Obey secured $1.3 million so the National Park Service can carry out the project.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shelley Nelson covers Superior/Douglas County. Call 394-4411, ext. 134 or e-mail snelson@superiortelegram.com .
