Council committee approves $300,000 for 16-inch water main to serve Packaging Corporation of America site

The City of Newark Finance Committee on Sept. 2 approved a $300,000 appropriation to extend a public 16-inch water main west across property near Thornwood Drive to serve a Packaging Corporation of America site under construction.

A staff presenter said the water main extension will link across private property to the PCA site and described the work as "about a half million dollar project"; the appropriation represents roughly three-quarters of the project cost, according to the presenter. The presenter said PCA is cooperating to supplement a portion of the costs and that the city will be responsible for the remaining portion. The project team has submitted the plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval, the presenter said.

Council moved the appropriation on a motion by Barker with a second by Hauser; the committee approved the measure by voice vote 5-0.

Council members asked clarifying questions during the discussion; one member observed multiple acronyms in staff remarks. No public opposition to the funding was recorded in the committee discussion. The presenter noted the project will provide additional maneuvering and operational area for the PCA site currently operating on the city's 20 First Street location and that the new site includes expansion space. The appropriation will allow staff to activate engineering and construction work so PCA can proceed with its building schedule if federal approvals are obtained.

The item will proceed to full council for appropriation and final authorization per municipal procedures.