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<br />“Bowman Creek is an important part of the community, and we need the opinions, ideas <br />and vision of neighbors to tailor plans to the people of the Bowman Creek corridor,” <br />Luecke said. “Documented citizen input is invaluable as we seek federal and state support <br />to leverage local investment.” <br /> <br />South Bend Utilities began efforts in 2008 to improve Bowman Creek after discussions <br />with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project is a voluntary, supplemental <br />environmental project as part of its combined sewer overflow long-term control plan. The <br />City’s wastewater utility committed $150,000 to the project. But more than $12 million <br />in projects that will positively impact the tributary are planned by various government <br />entities over the next four years <br />? <br /> <br />A $2-million effort to relieve basement flooding along Haney, Indiana and Dubail <br />avenues will increase storm water flow into Bowman Creek. <br />? <br /> <br />A four-year, $3.7-million project to separate combined sewers near High Street <br />will discharge storm water into the creek near the Studebaker Golf Course. <br />? <br /> <br />Construction is already progressing on the first portion of a Twyckenham Avenue <br />sewer separation, which totals nearly $7 million over two phases. <br />? <br /> <br />The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, with support from <br />federal stimulus funding, is investing several hundred thousand dollars into <br />cleaning up groundwater that will protect the Bowman Creek watershed. <br /> <br />Private efforts also are contributing. Already, professional volunteers with the The <br />Chamber’s Leadership group have supported the project for more than a year, organized a <br />successful cleanup of the creek near Ravina Park. <br /> <br />Gilot said there is the potential for additional synergy with the development of Ignition <br />Park, a state-certified technology park that is within walking distance of neighborhoods <br />in the Bowman Creek corridor. <br /> <br /> “This is an exciting opportunity over the next five years for the community to take on an <br />environmental-stewardship project in which we can take pride and one day tell our <br />grandchildren about having accomplished a challenging transformation,” Gilot said. <br />“Envision a great natural resource with a flowing creek, water ponds, cascading drops, <br />attractive tree cover, passive parks space and multipurpose trails. We will make it <br />happen.” <br /> <br />- 30 - <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />