UPDATE: Lynchburg could receive up to $30 million from the state to pay for its combined sewer overflow project — which keeps untreated sewage from entering the James River during heavy rains. Area lawmakers tell the news and Advance the money would be the largest amount of state money ever given the city to help with its combined-sewer-overflow problem. Over the last two decades, the state has contributed a total of $21.3 million. The funds were expected to be in the house and senate budget proposals announced yesterday.
1/30/13
Lynchburg City Council on Tuesday agreed to send a letter to the General Assembly promising it won’t seek any more funding for its combined-sewer overflow program; provided the state gives the city $30 million this year. The pledge hinges on state approval of the city’s revised CSO plan, which calls for a faster and less expensive approach to fixing the sewer system’s remaining trouble points. City officials say they hope to hear from state authorities on the new plan this fall. The CSO program was created to fix problems that allow storm-water runoff to flood and overwhelm the city sewers.
