Significant economic growth in recent years, and an aging sewer system is forcing the city of Dubuque to address sewer capacity constraints in several areas of town. Some developers report it is forcing them to hit the brakes on some projects currently under construction or those in the planning stages.
Due to its old age, Dubuque has launched a Sanitary Sewer Asset Management Program (SSAMP) to evaluate the system and plan for improvements. The city plans to invest approximately $130 million over the next five years in order to expand its sewer capacity. One key project is the $41 million Old Mill Road Lift Station, which is under construction and scheduled to be completed in December 2026.
Yesterday, the city issued a statement that it will “work closely with property owners and developers in the affected areas to explore phased development approaches to minimize additional strain on the system. The city also says interim, project-specific solutions may also be identified to facilitate projects until permanent system improvements are completed.
The Dubuque City Council will address the proposed sewer improvements as part of its public budget meeting on Thursday, April 24.
