Silver Creek sewer discussion continues

Talk about it

Possible construction on Highway 61 to the first tunnel could inspire conversation about whether or not the township of Silver Creek wants city sewer and water.

Silver Creek Township board member Mike Hoops thought it might be a better option for them to go with the city.

According to studies of sewer systems in the area, they are not in good condition.

Also in the past, an ordinance was passed requiring a parcel of land to have a sewer system, plus an alternate site for an additional one. Many of the newer homes in that area have met these prerequisites, but some of older ones haven’t due to lack of space.

“There’s not a lot of area to put in big mound systems,” Hoops said at at a meeting between the Silver Creek Town Board, Two Harbors City Council and Lake County Board.

In order for the possible project to work, Hoops said, they would either need to be annexed or have the city change one of its ordinances.

One of those ordinances states that the city will not accept sewer and water out of city limits.

Other matters discussed at the meeting included charging Silver Creek Township for the use of Two Harbors water and sewer and possibly using some kind of meter system.

“The highest benefit for the city would be the money they would get for charging for it,” said Rick Goutermont, county commissioner.

All of this is speculation, however, depending on when the construction project is completed.

Some of the city-extended sewer system project could be paid for by a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant which would be used for a transportation project in that area. It could possibly be implemented in with the sewer project.

Some at the meeting didn’t think there was a realistic chance of getting the grant.

County Commissioner Paul Bergman thought there was about a five percent chance of getting the grant, but thought if they do get it in, at least those in the legislature will be talking about the road issues on Highway 61.

“We have to keep turning every rock and stone,” he said.

At a previous meeting, Commissioner Brad Jones said they should not be pressured by an Aug. 14 deadline date to get the TIGER grant in, hinting there could be other ones available in the future.

Tags: two harbors, news, silver creek, sewer