Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District Announces Construction of Union Township Water Line Project

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District (SWLCWSD) today announced that commencement of the construction of Phase I of the Union Township Water Line Project is set to begin in August. 

Phase I of this project will extend water service from Gale Road east along US 40 to State Route 37, and then south to the I-70 interchange. This new infrastructure is intended to facilitate growth to the Luray area, which has been targeted by the township for future commercial, light industrial, and mixed-use developments.  

As a regional water and sewer utility provider, SWLCWSD is able to provide service in various areas where development is desired, which is determined by local governments. “This project is the result of our partnership with Union Township,” said SWLCWSD Executive Director Jim Roberts. "The township identified where they wanted service for future development and then our teams worked hand-in-hand to establish funding mechanisms to generate new revenue to pay for the new improvements." 

Roberts emphasized the project will not impose any costs on current township residents or existing district customers, adhering to the district's "Development Pays for Development" philosophy. This initiative will be primarily funded through Tax Increment Financing and a Joint Economic Development District, capturing new revenues from new development. These funds will cover the entire project cost, including long-term maintenance. Phase I of the project is expected to cost $5 million. 

"The revenue generated from the new developments along these corridors will be instrumental in reducing the future tax burden on our township residents," said Union Township Trustee Roger Start. "This project is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in our community’s financial health and future."

"This partnership is the blueprint for collaboration across Licking County, and this project serves to illustrate the willingness of the district to partner with our neighboring communities to respond to community needs as they arise," said Jim Roberts.

Phase I of the project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025. Phase II of the project, which extends service lines to the north to Refugee Road, to the east, and south of I-70, is currently in design and anticipated to bid in Fall 2024. Phase III of the Project will bring sanitary sewer to the Luray service area and is currently in preliminary design.

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