(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte has been given the results of an independent study regarding the status of water infrastructure within the 39 North Conservancy District.

 

The results seem to support the city’s claims that annexation is needed to upgrade the system.

 

NIES Engineering, a regional firm, performed the study and found that fire flow within the district is limited to a single fire hydrant, and that fire flow capacity is inadequate for a large industrial fire, according to Mayor Tom Dermody.

 

NIES identified and proposed three infrastructure improvements to remedy this situation at an estimated cost of more than $10.5 million.

 

La Porte Water Superintendent Tim Werner said these findings confirm the severity of this situation in terms of fire protection and constructing new homes and businesses in the district. 

 

“Not only does this create a safety risk and a nuisance for existing residents of 39 North, but it also means new development and growth is impossible given the insufficiency of 39 North’s current infrastructure system,” Werner said.

 

Fire Chief Andy Snyder said the safety risk created by the inadequate system is enough cause for concern.

 

"A fire department being limited to a single fire hydrant is a big deal.  In a situation where seconds matter, the very last thing you want your first responders to be thinking about is whether they will have enough water to extinguish a fire at your home or business," he said. 

 

Dermody said the city has offered to share the findings of this study with the president of the conservancy at no cost in order to help facilitate a solution in a timely fashion. He said time is of the essence. 

 

"Unfortunately, this problem has been ignored for far too long, making urgent action necessary," he said.,

 

“The city is willing to lead in this situation and take on these improvements, but we cannot make an investment of this capacity for nonresidents. The residents of 39 North should not have to foot the bill for mistakes of the past, and we are hopeful that we can all come to the table and gain support for the common sense solution that the city has proposed,” he said.

 

Dermody said the city has the ability to finance the improvements with help from grants.

 

“We have the opportunity to solve this problem right now. “Why wait for something to happen?  The time to act is now,” he said. 

 

Those seeking more detailed information are encouraged to attend upcoming public information meetings at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.

 

The sessions will take place on:

• Thursday, April 27th at 6 p.m.;
• Wednesday, May 3th at noon; and
• Thursday, May 4th at 6 p.m.

39 North residents with questions or interest in signing the petition for annexation may contact the mayor’s office at 219-362-0151.

The city has set a May 31th deadline for obtaining signatures.