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1. What Areas Are Included In The Downtown Street & Utility Improvement Project?

The project area (PDF) includes most of the Downtown core

• 100 & 200 block of Meridian St N
• 100 block of Meridian St S
• 100 block of Church St E & Church St W
• 100 block of Main St E & Main St W
• Portions of alleys in blocks 91, 92, and 103
• Pavement, stormwater, and pedestrian facilities Main St E from Chestnut to Walnut St

2. What Does The Project Include?

The project scope includes street and utility improvements. 

• Full street & sidewalk reconstruction
• Replacement of sanitary sewer main
• Enhancement of stormwater management system
• LED streetlights
• Community-place streetscaping

3. Why Is The Project Needed?

• Sanitary sewer mains under downtown streets predate City engineering records meaning they were likely installed in the 1950’s. The lines are made of clay and televising reveals they are well past their useful life and need to be replaced (PDF). 
• Stormwater issues have plagued the downtown area for years and were historically addressed on an emergency basis. 
• Pavement failure is evident and sidewalks have settled and receded. 
• The type of streetlights in Downtown are no longer manufactured or supported, when damaged replacement is problematic.
• Safety and accessibility deficiencies pose challenges to balancing vehicular and non-motorized traffic, including traffic calming and multi-modal infrastructure supporting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Current-day engineering solutions (PDF) will help lessen deficiencies and challenges. 

4. Who Do I Contact Regarding This Project?

Contact City Administrator Dawn Meyer.

5. How Will The Project Be Paid For?

The City is reviewing payment options which will likely include other jurisdiction participation (portions of the roadways in the project area are under Scott County jurisdiction), inputs from MSA (municipal state aid), assessments to benefiting property owners, American Rescue Plan Act economic funds, and debt financed through utility and capital improvement funds.

6. Why Did This Project Come Out Of Nowhere?

For decades the City has conducted an annual street and utility improvement project. Historically those projects have focused on the most aged infrastructure and streets, typically in the original townsite. Small, annual projects help us avoid falling into a situation where all streets and utilities need to be updated at once overwhelming our financial capability. 

 Although previously on improvement “radar”, the Downtown improvement project moved up in priority in 2020 when Scott County began talking with the City about updating State St W. Infrastructure in the Downtown ties into State St W and logistically needs to be completed prior to work on State St W. Planning, discussion, public outreach, and studies have been ongoing. 

7. How Can I Be Involved And Stay Informed?

The City posts project updates online, through social media, and in The Bridge monthly newsletter. Meeting agendas and packet information is posted online, you may sign up for alerts to be notified of agenda posting. You can also check the project page or contact us for updates.