Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District board members are shown wielding golden shovels in celebration of the new septic elimination project commencement. From left are board members Chuck Simpson, Bob Weaver, Brian Davison, Kim Hathaway, Jon Tyler and Jeff Thornburgh. Photo by Caleigh Byrer.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

OSWEGO — A groundbreaking ceremony was held by the Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees Thursday, Dec. 8, in honor of the new septic elimination project. It was mentioned numerous times throughout the ceremony how monumental this project truly is for the people around the lakes. It is “a quality of life project,” if you ask Kosciusko County Commissioner Robert Conley.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer is shown shaking hands with Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board President Jon Tyler to commend each other for their efforts thus far in the project. Photo by Caleigh Byrer.

The event took place at Pump Station No. 2, located directly across the road from the Oswego Community Center, 3016 Rader Road, Warsaw. A reception followed at the Oswego Community Center.

Over the past few decades, a new sewer system has been merely a topic of discussion. Now that these ideas have finally come to fruition and construction is about to begin, board members and involved organizations are feeling more confident than ever they have made the best decision for the health of the community and the local lakes.

Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation, stated, “we have worked 25 years taking action by investing over $10 million in our land and our lake shores to protect water quality, and the water quality is actually improving. We have implemented over 250 projects towards that goal but this, by far, is the biggest project of all. I cannot wait to see what benefits our community will reach for today and for the future through this project.”

Representatives from the State Revolving Fund, United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, bond bank and many other organizations were also in attendance to celebrate the new development.

Board President Jon Tyler stated, “it’s taken some time but we’re getting it done and we’re proud of that, we’re very appreciative of those that have been able to help us. It’s just incredible what we’ve been able to do, we’re really excited that we can put this project in place and improve the health of our lakes.”

This $51 million project is one of the largest — if not the largest — infrastructure projects to occur in Kosciusko County. The project was funded through Indiana State Revolving Fund loan program and United States Department of Agriculture — Rural Development.