Westport residents get sewer service as construction begins
*Oshtemo Township broke ground on a $19.482 million sewer expansion project this week, bringing modern sanitary sewer service to roughly 270 households in the Westport neighborhood*.
The township signed the financing paperwork on Thursday, May 14, securing low-interest bonds from the United States Department of Agriculture to fund Phase 2 of its sanitary sewer expansion. Construction by Redline Excavating began on May 15 at the intersection of Ramblewood Drive and H Avenue.
"This investment is about ensuring the next generation is set up for success by creating a reliable, modern sanitary sewer system that will serve our community for decades," Township Supervisor Cheri Bell said in a release.
What the project includes
The expansion will add the following infrastructure to the Westport area:
- More than 4 miles of new sewer main
- 3 lift stations to move wastewater to treatment facilities
- Sewer connections for approximately 270 households
Township officials said the USDA bond program provides long-term, low-interest funding that reduces immediate rate pressure on residents while enabling necessary infrastructure upgrades.
Construction timeline and resident updates
Work is expected to continue through the 2026 and 2027 construction seasons. The township is partnering with engineering firm Fleis & VandenBrink to oversee the project.
Prior to breaking ground, the Public Works Department took several steps to prepare the community:
- 1.Held multiple presentations for the township board and community members
- 2.Mailed postcards to directly affected households
- 3.Hosted informational meetings covering the construction process, timeline, anticipated impacts, and safety measures
Residents can sign up for construction text alerts and access project maps and weekly updates at oshtemo.org.
Why sewer service matters
Township officials said expanding sewer service helps protect public health and regional waterways. The Westport neighborhood has relied on septic systems, which can pose environmental risks and require costly private maintenance for homeowners.
Officials noted that USDA financing allows the township to spread the cost over time rather than imposing large immediate rate increases on residents.
Phase 2 follows earlier expansion work
This project represents the second phase of Oshtemo Township's broader sanitary sewer expansion effort. Township leaders have emphasized that the work supports growing residential demand in areas that have historically lacked access to centralized sewer infrastructure.
The township will provide regular progress reports via text message and post weekly updates on its website to minimize disruption to residents as crews work through the neighborhood.
Sources: WOODTV, WKZO, Public Media Network