News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Taking it to the Streets: Mayor Henry Announces Record Investment — Year 2
Commitment to Neighborhoods Continues
Project list and map attached – see below(March 25, 2015) – Mayor Tom Henry continued his commitment to neighborhood infrastructure improvements today as he joined residents of the Hillcrest neighborhood to announce this year’s street, sidewalk and trail improvements. For the second year in a row, the City will invest more than $20 million in transportation infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails.
Additionally, City Utilities will be investing more than $35 million this year, improving neighborhood sewer and water infrastructure. The Utility projects will improve service for more than 10,000 customer accounts, an estimated 25,000 residents, across the City.
The Hillcrest improvements demonstrate a commitment to neighborhoods and an efficient use of funding by coordinating work to save money and minimize neighborhood interruption. The Hillcrest enhancement is collaboration with NIPSCO: placing new gas lines; City Utilities: installing new storm, sanitary and water lines; and Public Works: repairing streets, sidewalks, and installing new ADA ramps.
“Careful planning leads to major improvements for neighborhoods that will strengthen our community for generations to come,” said Mayor Henry. “We continue to make significant investments in our neighborhoods. By working together, our neighborhoods are strong and vibrant. We’re making an impact and building on our momentum.”
The unprecedented improvements led by Mayor Henry, coupled with other neighborhood programs, are strengthening neighborhoods, building pride and improving property values.
“Curb appeal doesn’t stop at a homeowner’s property line. When the City improves sidewalks, streets, ADA ramps, curbs and drainage in a neighborhood, it increases property values,” said realtor, Jeff Vaughan. “It’s clear that property values do go up when these types of improvements are made in a neighborhood.”
This year’s street investment is $21 Million:
- 12 miles of concrete street reconstruction
- 53.5 miles of asphalt paving
- 12 miles of chip and seal resurfacing
- 8 miles of sidewalk
- 5 miles of trail
- 1820 ADA ramps
- 30 miles of curb
City Utilities will continue its commitment to replace nine miles of water main each year, build new storm pipes to reduce basement backups and street flooding, and construct new sanitary pipes coupled with plant improvements to increase capacity and protect our rivers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, every $1 million invested in infrastructure construction, supports or creates an average of 24 jobs. Using that formula, the combined investment from Public Works and City Utilities will support nearly 1,400 jobs in our community.
“Creating and supporting local jobs is important for Fort Wayne and when you consider that these salaries will stay in our community and be used in our local stores, restaurants, and businesses, it’s clear that our investments go a long way,” said Mayor Henry.
The 2015 construction projects will be out for bids over the next two months. Many will be completed this year but some of the larger projects are scheduled for two construction seasons.
Through the leadership and efforts of the Mayor’s Administration and the bipartisan Fiscal Policy Group, plans call for more than $20 million dollars in infrastructure improvements in each of the next several years.
Related downloads:
- 2015 Infrastructure Map
- 2015 Public Works Projects.pdf
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