Gov. Chet Culver announced Wednesday Centerville will receive a federal award of $600,000 for the purpose of replacing an aged and seriously damaged storm sewer system.

The grant funding, initiated by Chariton Valley Planning and Development Councils of Governments, will launch phase two of the community-wide storm sewer replacements initiated in 2007.

According to Chariton Valley Planning and Development Executive Director, Tracy Daugherty, the older storm sewer pipe and intakes in the community were installed at the turn of the 1900s with thin walls of vitrified clay or brick. Over the years, and most recently with heavy rainfalls, the older portion of the system has collapsed causing flooding in streets, yards, and homes even after moderate rainfall.

“Recognizing the increasing flooding problems in the City of Centerville, Chariton Valley’s Nichole Moore began working with state agencies to explain the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate attention,” notes Daugherty. “With Nichole’s persistence and the help of principal engineer, Nancy Huisman of Hall Engineering, and Ron Creagan, city street commissioner, federal funding opportunities were located through special Community Development Block Grant dollars reserved for Iowa communities impacted by the flood events of 2008.”

 Proposed project areas will include the following vicinities: 1) North 10th Street; 2) East Washington Street; 3) North 13th Street; 4) East Terry/South 15th/ East Wall/South 16th/East Bank/South 17th Streets.

“The construction will begin in early fall 2009 due to federal construction requirement needs taking some time to get us to the point of turning dirt,” says Daugherty. “However, my office will work with the engineer and street commissioner to advance the project construction whenever possible.”

Chariton Valley Planning and Development is an Iowa Council of Governments created by the Iowa Legislature to conduct business for the purpose of enhancing economic prosperity and planned growth in order to improve quality of life in Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, and Wayne counties in the State of Iowa. Primary activities serve to stimulate and support: job creation; business investment; attraction and retention of a skilled workforce; quality of life, recreation, and cultural enhancements; provide for infrastructure installation and maintenance.