Council approves $90M water-sewer project without discussion

JACKSON — The Jackson City Council approved a $90-million water and sewer project worth one-fourth of the city’s total budget, banking on a contractor’s guarantee that the work will pay for itself within 15 years.

The Clarion-Ledger reports the 5-2 vote sets the stage for work to begin as soon as January on a broad project to upgrade the city’s two water treatment plants, replace nearly two miles of sewer lines and install new meters that will report water usage wirelessly, eliminating the need for meter readers.

Lead contractor Siemens has guaranteed the project will pay for itself through new revenue and savings on things like electricity and fuel as part of an energy performance contracting scheme permitted under state law.

The council approved the proposal with no discussion.