By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Two Lake projects, including what is described as a full restoration of Webster Lake, have gained written support from Kosciusko County officials as local groups apply for government funding from other sources.
The Webster Lake Conservation Association informed the county commissioners on Tuesday that the lake’s phosphate levels are so bad that the entire body of water needs a restoration.
Mike Wyrick, president of the association, said they want to understake an in-depth attempt to reduce the phosphate levels and thereby reduce the amount of algae.
Phosphate levels were very high recently, he said.
Just this past week, they had a large algae bloom.
“If you’ve never seen one of those, the lakewater turns as green as pea soup, it’s nearly as thick as pea soup and it’s a combination smell of fresh mowed grass and fish,” Wyrick said. “We can experience more of those as time goes on.”
Wyrick appeared with Ashlee Haviland, with EutroPhix, a water quality consulting firm with an office in northern Indiana.
They told the commissioners they are seeking money from Third District Congressman Marlin Stutzman’s office for financial support.
The entire project could span 10 years and cost more than $5 million. They were seeking several million dollars initially and were told by Stutzman’s office to set their sights on $1.5 million.
They requested that the commissioners provide a written letter that will support the plan and be delivered to Stutzman’s office.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Tippecanoe and Chapman Regional Sewer District discussed two issues with the commissioners on Tuesday.
Construction of the main portion of the $52 million project was completed “on budget and on time,” according to sewer district president Jeff Thornburgh.
The project will serve 1,800 residents, and about 55 percent of the hookups are complete.
Thornburgh tipped his hat to consultants, the all-volunteer board as well as the county officials. He said they relied on an array of funding sources to make it happen.
Commissioner Cary Groninger was impressed.
“It’s probably the largest sewer project that’s happened in our county ever … so that’s really cool to see this on time and under budget — it doesn’t happen a lot in today’s world,” Groninger said.
Afterward Thornburg said the final phase involving the East Webster Lake is still in need of money to support a $7 million extension. He said 221 homes have wells and believes circumstances have created serious health concerns.
The commissioner offered to write a letter of support on behalf of the sewer district to secure state funding.
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