Monterey Approves Stormwater Plan

Monterey officials approved an engineering contract Monday for stormwater drainage improvements to the downtown area.

Alderman J.J. Reels said the proposal is a starting point to fixing an issue that has affected Monterey for 60-years.

“I think it’s a good thing because we have to get that starting point,” Reels said. “This will address those issues and we will know where we need to go in the future and type of cost to fix this problem.”

The contract allows Lebanon-based Warren and Associates to conduct preliminary topographic and location surveying work for the area between Highway 62 and Interstate 40.

Warren and Associates Owner Jerry Warren said the preliminary work will also include the use of camera and TV technology to review existing storm drains in the area.

“Basically, what this would do is get us a preliminary engineering review where we can determine the next step to go forward,” Warren said. “We will also see if there is some funding mechanisms that may help on this.”

The engineering contract will cost between $12,500 and $18,500 to complete. The board of mayor and aldermen did not vote on a funding mechanism for the project.

“I do want to stress that this is the first step because we don’t know exactly what we are getting into yet,” Warren said.

Warren and Associates indicates that they will begin the work after the completion of necessary field work.