(La Porte County, IN) - Extending sewer service to Hudson Lake and Saugany Lake, the latter of which draws some visitors from Chicago, is closer becoming reality.

 

On Wednesday, the La Porte County Commissioners unanimously supported the proposed project, which would extend a sewer line to those communities from Rolling Prairie in the northeast portion of the county.  

 

Developer Ken Jones said the estimated cost right now stands at $4.5 million.

 

Jones feels sewer service would open the door to housing redevelopment, along with new housing in those communities, many of which have residential lots too small to install another septic tank in.

 

“I would say that a move by the county to support this project is an investment in that community that is sorely needed. We’re talking about a housing redevelopment process that cannot happen without a utility,” he said.

 

Jones said some of the housing growth would likely come from demand generated by the over 1,500 new jobs projected at a new electric vehicle battery-making facility planned for outside New Carlisle.

 

La Porte County government is being asked to contribute $1. 5 million dollars toward the cost of the project.

 

Final approval is now up to the La Porte County Council.

 

Commissioner Rich Mrozinski said he believes sewer service would place Hudson Lake on track for a comeback to when it used to be a bustling tourist community several decades ago.

 

Legend has it that gangster Al Capone used to go to Hudson Lake in 1920’s as a getaway from Chicago to take part in illegal gambling, among other activities.

 

“This will bring Hudson Lake back to what it once was many years ago. Many years ago back when Al Capone used to go there for things,” Mrozinski said.

 

Jones said residents in both communities, about a decade ago, initiated the process that resulted in a study and push for municipal sewer service.