Rep. Troy announces more than $5.1 million for Willoughby wastewater infrastructure

State Rep. Dan Troy, D-Willowick, recently announced that Willoughby will receive $5.1 million in low-interest and principal forgiveness funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

The funding will be used to replace an outlet sewer, which will result in increased storage capacity for the watershed. Moreover, the city will construct a storm sewer conduit.

“As we experience climate change and storms generating much heavier rainwater than usual in shorter periods of time, we need to upgrade our infrastructure to address that reality,” Troy stated in a news release. “Not only will these efforts help us in protecting private property and public infrastructure, but also allow for better control of sedimentation and other harmful substances entering our great Lake Erie.”

The Willoughby Service Department manages almost 90 miles of storm sewer lines, 91 miles of sanitary sewer lines, and, in partnership with Eastlake, a wastewater treatment plant that processes an average influent flow of 7 million gallons of wastewater a day.

“This grant is a pivotal piece in a long-range storm management program that has been going on for years,” said Willoughby Mayor Bob Fiala. “The ultimate goal is to help with improving water quality and decreasing flooding.

“We thank Rep. Troy for his efforts in securing this funding.”