Louisville MSD has completed an extensive analysis of the wastewater, stormwater and flood protection systems that protect the community. Now, MSD wants to talk directly with the public about the risks, the solutions, and most importantly how soon the work will begin.
Flooded roadways, destroyed homes, and raw sewage overflows are reminders that Louisville’s ability to transform depends on the most basic public health and safety protection systems - wastewater, stormwater and flood protection. MSD has identified the critical needs in these areas in a draft 20-year Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan, developed solutions and is ready to move forward.
However, the solutions come with a large price tag - $4.3 billion over the next 20 years, including almost $500 million to finish the remaining federal Consent Decree obligations for managing sewer overflows. Recognizing the magnitude of the impact on ratepayers and the community, MSD is embarking on a wide-reaching community conversation.
"The issue is not a matter of if the risks to the public health and safety of local families and business owners will be addressed," said MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott. "The community can no longer avoid renewing and restoring our vital wastewater, flood protection, and stormwater management facilities. The question is "how soon" the work will begin. Input from the community is needed because the answer will determine the necessary near-term and the long-term rate adjustments."
A community conversation
MSD will meet over the next few months with community groups, business leaders, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, and others across the city to gather public perspective and ensure that representative voices are engaged. Information including the draft 20-year Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan is available on
the MSD website www.LouisvilleMSD.org/CriticalRepairPlan. Groups may request an MSD representative present at community meetings.
Developing the Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan
The draft Plan contains a breakdown of the critical risks in six areas and the estimated cost solutions:
- Ohio River flood protection system
- Stormwater drainage and inland flooding
- Viaducts
- Crumbling sewer infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Consent decree and support systems
Substantial public input was provided during development of the Plan from MSD’s Wet Weather Team consisting of community opinion leaders associated with environmental advocacy, business and industry, elected officials, local government, community neighborhood, recreation, public health, environmental justice, and organized labor interests. This group has adopted an official position in support of the Plan and its implementation.
Interested citizens can review the Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan and summaries through March 1, 2017 at any branch of the Louisville Library or on MSD’s website at www.LouisvilleMSD.org/CriticalRepairPlan.
