The City of Strongsville has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve storm sewers along Prospect Road to alleviate long-standing flooding issues.
The grant, awarded with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-7, will pay for more than half the cost of the $3.1 million project.
The project will replace undersized and failing storm sewer lines, manholes and catch basins along Prospect Road from 400 feet north of Albion Road to Blodgett Creek, which is about 500 feet south of Fair Road. The work will improve drainage so that stormwater is conveyed to Blodgett Creek without overflowing the system.
Responding to requests from residents who have experienced flooding, Strongsville’s Service Department investigated the existing storm sewer system and found pipes in poor condition, with holes, cracks and separations. These issues caused rain water to overflow on the street, creating a hazard for motorists and flooding yards and basements.
Worse, the storm water then entered sanitary sewer lines through basement floor drains, overloading that system and causing sanitary backups for residents.
Strongsville Mayor Tom Perciak said the project will provide relief to residents in the Prospect Road area.
“We’re grateful to Congressman Miller for his help in securing funding that will allow us to resolve this situation for our residents,” Perciak said. “My administration will continue to apply for grant funding that improves our local infrastructure without requiring additional tax burdens for our residents.”