A year ago before the start of the Diamond and Donnell Lakes Water System Improvements, the Cass County Board of Public Works’ project was heralded by the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, as an example of how funding such a project would further economic recovery goals. By improving water quality and public sanitation services it would improve infrastructure, create jobs and protect public health and the environment.

The Cass County Regional Water System received a $10 million loan through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act administered by the USDA Rural Development to provide reliable water service and improved fire protection for residents and businesses in four townships. The project when completed in November will provide water service and fire protection to more than 1,800 dwelling units located in Calvin, Jefferson, La Grange and Penn townships.

The project was broken into three phases. The phase now under construction includes the developed areas around Diamond Lake. Phase two on Diamond Isle is scheduled for the fall of 2011. Phase three around Donnell Lake is scheduled to begin Aug. 1 and end Nov. 15, 2011.

Over the last several months, the business community and residents have been impacted by the large endeavor. But now much of the construction on the northern side of Diamond Lake is nearly done and most areas around the lake will be done by September. Several neighborhood areas are now ready for residents and businesses to make connections to the water system.

The Cass County Board of Public Works is announcing construction locations and water connection locations through the engineering firm, Wightman & Associates website, www.wightman-assoc.com. This website has all of the information needed for the water connection phase of the project including permit application and instructions.

The locations that are currently available for residents to connect include Happy Drive, Spencer Drive, Mary Lou Lane, Loupe Drive, Osborn Avenue, Shore Acres Road and Decatur Road from Geneva Street north to Maple Grove Mobile Home Park. These areas are shown in more detail on the website.

If residents and businesses are interested in connecting to the water system and do not have access to the internet, they can contact the city of Dowagiac Building Department at 782-8427.

The current locations under construction as posted include Colony Bay, Leigh Avenue, Beechwood Lane, Carlton Avenue, Eagle Point Road, Cass Road, Quinnesec Road, Putnam Road, Lenawee Road, Beardsley Lane and Woodland Street.

The contractor performing the work is Balkema Excavating, Inc. of Kalamazoo. While most of the construction has gone smoothly, the extended days of rain has slowed the restoration project, mainly restoring the ground surface with top soil.

Dick Mickey, Penn Township supervisor, commended the teamwork of Wightman & Associates and Balkema, siting their efforts to communicate with residents and keeping everyone apprised about the project details. He also thanked residents for their patience during the construction process.