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Doug Lytle
Posted 10/14/20

Niobrara County Residents,

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Posted

Niobrara County Residents,

We have an important decision to make on November 3, 2020. The Towns of Lusk, Manville, and Van Tassell need to improve their infrastructures. In the past we have used the six penny tax for different purposes. This proposal involves the most important aspects of our communities, ones that we take for granted because they are always available day and night, 365 days a year. 

The Town of Lusk is at a critical point in its infrastructure maintenance. Our sewer lines and water lines are in dire need of repair. Some of the lines were installed in 1918 with an expected lifetime of 50 years. Our City crews, past and present, have done an outstanding job with keeping them working efficiently enough to get us by to this point. Most of our water lines are four inch lines that have had deposits build up and now have insufficient flow for not only the residences, but also for fire suppression if ever needed. Having sufficient flow for fire hydrants is critical, and may also help with insurance costs when the project is completed. The clay sewer lines have become so brittle that our equipment that clears blockages breaks them and causes major issues.

While the construction will have a significant impact on the streets, the long lasting benefits will outweigh the inconvenience. The benefit of reduced maintenance issues in the future justifies the minimal increase in cost to upgrade the entire street instead of the 70% needing immediate repairs. 

The project will: 

• Replace/repair/resurface the streets.

• Replace gutters where needed for drainage, longevity and safety.

• Add and replace sidewalks to increase accessibility and public safety for all residents.

• Add ADA ramps to the sidewalks where feasible.

• Add conduit for fiber optic cable under the sidewalk on every other street. This will add to quality of life for residents as well as aid with attracting new economic development opportunities in the future. 

• Address other ancillary infrastructure issues.

The cost to complete the entire project is $54,000,000.00. As a condition of the grants we have applies for and to help defray the direct costs, we are requesting $21,605,000 through the 1% Specific Purpose, allocated as follows - Town of Lusk: $18,000,000.00, Manville: $2,500,000.00, and Van Tassell: $1,150,000.00 The 1% Specific Purpose Tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. This will impact the entire county for generations to come.

 There will be two more public meetings on Oct. 7 and Oct. 21 at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds at 6 p.m.. We would like to see everyone there to answer any questions or listen to any comments you may have on the project.

Yours Truly, 

Douglas E. Lytle

Mayor Town of Lusk