Crown Point corrects lead-service-line tally and outlines replacement progress

City engineering staff told the Board of Public Works and Safety that a numerical error in the lead-service-line table (listed as 530) should read 7, and provided updated program progress: 147 service lines have been replaced to date on the active construction project.

Staff said the program operates on two tracks — an active construction contract that has replaced identified lines and a design/fieldwork effort to identify additional candidates. Of roughly 1,600 suspected lines in the inventory, about one-third of exterior inspections are complete and interior inspections are ongoing. Engineering reported an observed confirmation rate of about 10%: ‘‘So, of the lines that ... we’ve identified as potential lead, about 10% actually end up being lead,’’ staff said.

Why it matters: the city plans to use SRF and grant funds (staff referenced roughly $5 million in replacement funding) for continued replacements. Staff signaled they will come before the board at the next meeting to request a contractor schedule extension to allow the contractor to finish work and fully utilize grant funds.

Staff estimated fieldwork will be completed in two to three months, after which the city will coordinate the next construction phase. Board members expressed general support and said residents have responded positively to outreach about the program.

Related sewer and water grant work discussed in the same utility update included a possible $1 million 219 grant application for Imperial Heights sewer rehabilitation, a downtown interceptor permitting issue with INDOT, and scheduled work on Lewis Street expected to reopen to regular traffic around April 8.