On February 3rd, the Daily Reporter published an article (only available to subscribers) that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing Franklin's Ryan Creek Interceptor Sewer (RCI) project for the SW portions of the city. Several days prior to the article on the 3rd, the Daily Reporter also had an article stating that the RCI "conflicted" with the goals the federal government laid down for usage of Clean Water monies.
This review and other speculation comes at a time when a significant majority of Franklin's leadership has put all their political apples in this particular RCI basket, consistently voting in favor of monies to be spent on getting the project off the ground and built despite no approvals of Clean Water funds being transferred to the city at a later date to compensate these expenditures. Interestingly enough, the lone NO vote on the Council when it comes to the RCI, Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm, had noted the issue of proper application of Clean Water funds, now being brought forward in the Daily Reporter articles. This should be a deep concern of whether Franklin would get this loan or potentially if Franklin's taxpayers would be socked with a $38-41 million (or higher figure) bill.
If the review goes badly, and the Clean Water funds/loan are not provided to the city, it could definitely tell a tale of how a quest for infrastructure in SW Franklin went awry. If taxpayers end up being on the hook for tens of millions of dollars, it should be reflected on and taxpayers should ask: when it comes to potential spending, are projects like the RCI really on their lists of needs? For a community that never has any money for true community projects, like funding for a community center, recreational facilities, or even remodeling our schools, there seems to be the backup funds ready-and-waiting for a sewer that has no sense of community in mind, other than the possible growth which will bring forth more people demanding the facilities/buildings mentioned earlier.
Residents, keep an eye on this project. We can only be hopeful that those Clean Water funds flow into the city for assistance.
