BERNE — The Berne Storm Water Utility Management Board on Wednesday approved an $83,535 storm sewer project in the alley between the Berne Public Library and the U.S. Post Office, a long‑standing drainage problem area. The work is being completed by the contractor already onsite for the city’s sanitary sewer upgrades, allowing the stormwater portion to come in well below earlier estimates.
Engineers originally projected the fix at up to $170,000, later revising it to $134,000 before receiving the final bid. Board members voted to use stormwater utility funds to cover the cost.
The board also received an update on the larger Van Buren Street corridor project, which includes new 18‑inch and 12‑inch storm sewer mains from Lind Grove westward. The project, initially denied Community Crossings Matching Grant funding, was revived after the Indiana General Assembly added $75 million to fund previously rejected applications. The city’s rebid came in at approximately $775,000, with stormwater costs shared at roughly 20 percent.
Construction is expected to begin in late summer or early fall and will include full street reconstruction with curb, gutter, widened pavement and new inlets.
Superintendent Shannon Stucky said he will bring a ranked list of additional stormwater problem areas to the next meeting, including the Suge Street/Brenneman area, Water Street on the west side, and the High–Columbia corridor in the northwest part of town.
The board set its next meeting for May 27.