The City of Homestead Village appears to have a financial answer to address sewer issues that have plagued the community.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, signed into law on March 21, 2021, provides $350 billion in additional funding for state and local governments, according to gfoa.org.

It was noted at a recent Homestead Village Council meeting that the city will receive around $690,000 through this act.

In discussion to determine how the money will be used, Mayor Frank James said the sewer plant should be the city’s top priority.

“The sewer plant is getting too much rain and ground water causing it to exceed its capacity, so it does not function properly,” he said.

Alderman Tim Whorton brought up disinfection of the wastewater treatment plant and rehab of the sewer plant.

“The State wants disinfection on the wastewater treatment plant by installing a UV light,” Whorton said, explaining that incorporating an ultraviolet light into the water purification system can help kill microorganisms in the water supply and make it safe for ingesting.

When the UV light strikes, it can impact the microorganisms and prevent them from further reproducing, making this a safe and effective way to purify water without changing the color or taste, he said.

“The next plan is to rehab the sewer plant since it was built in 1972,” said Whorton, mentioning the city currently hasa water infiltration problem. The councilman noted the system is treating three times the amount of water that it should, and that all manholes and sewer lines will need to be repaired or replaced as well.

An unnamed citizen of Homestead Village spoke about a concern of his regarding the sewer situation, informing the council the sewer had backed up into the basement of his home on Ravenwood Drive.

“I called a plumber and when he came to my residence, it was determined the manhole in front of my house was the source of the issue,” the citizen said. He went on to explain the extent of the damage caused by the backup, saying “the sheet rock on my house is cut up, the carpet has irreversible damage, children’s presents were destroyed and over two pages worth of items had to be thrown away.”

The council asked the resident to submit documentation of the damage so that it could be given to the “If it wasn’t for ARPA funds, these repairs wouldn’t be possible,” James said. “The city is thankful to be able to expedite these plans. I am excited to move forward and make the city a better place.”