Oronogo plans for major stormwater improvement program

Pending state approval, Oronogo is embarking on a major stormwater improvement program.

The city has received a federal grant of up to $2 million requiring a 20% match from the city. That $200,000 match can be paid from the $400,000 that the city has left in its American Recovery Act Plan fund.

On Monday, the Oronogo Board of Aldermen approved a $300,137 contract with Jeff Asbell Excavating for the first storm water project at Route D and the Ruby Jack Trail. Engineer Tim Schowe, of Cochran Engineering, recommended the Asbell bid because it was the lowest of four bids received and Asbell was the most qualified bidder.

Construction on that project isn’t supposed to begin until spring. No impact on Route D traffic is expected, according to Tony Cantrell, public works superintendent.

He told the council that Cochran is preparing plans for other projects to be submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for approval.

Those projects include a concrete liner for the drainage ditch that flows from the Greystone subdivision behind the Webbwood subdivision to one of two detention ponds east of Route D for flood control.

Another project will raise John and Howe streets so storm water doesn’t flow down them. Howe Street goes west of Grant Street until it meets John Street, which goes south to Central Street. Cantrell points out that John and Howe are the only streets in the city that aren’t fully paved. Raising them and installing culverts would make paving them worthwhile.

In other action, the council:

• Approved an ordinance completing the employment of Sasqua Crawford as city treasurer and prosecuting attorney assistant.