Date:

June 27, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Steve Masters, Public Works and Utilities, 441-7588

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler announced today that the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved $600,000 in federal funds to improve Lincoln’s wastewater treatment plants. The funding was requested by Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson.

“I want to thank Senator Nelson for his leadership in obtaining these important funds,” said Mayor Beutler. “The projects being funded will improve the quality of life for residents and allow us to plan for future growth.”

The federal funds will match local funds to modernize equipment to deal with odor control at the Theresa Street Plant and to improve the removal of grit at the Northeast Treatment Plant. The cost of the Theresa Street project is about $690,000, and the cost of the Northeast project is about $3.4 million.

Other major work at the City’s two treatment plants is under way or planned. The City is spending about $45 million on projects to meet new, stricter discharge standards issued by federal and state regulators in January 2004 and increase the City’s treatment capacity to keep up with the City’s growth. These capital projects are being funded by ratepayers and federal appropriations.