MT. VERNON — Many municipalities across Illinois are having to deal with aging water and sewer systems. The city of Mt. Vernon is trying to tackle the issue head-on, as they have embarked on a massive repair and reconstruction effort that will last for many years to come.
The city is currently in the process of seeking state funding for projects in 2020 and 2021. Mt. Vernon mayor John Lewis says overall, this is likely the biggest project in the city’s history.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel says some of the projects the city is looking to tackle in 2019 include work on lift station number 14 and also replacing roughly 23,000 linear feet, or more than four miles of water line throughout the city.
To hear the full interview with Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis and City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel, tune in for the Southern Illinois Insider this Sunday at 11 a.m. on AM 940, 96.5 FM or on 94.1 FM, WMIX.