Akron advances design phase for Cuyahoga Street storage facility improvements

Akron advances design phase for Cuyahoga Street storage facility improvementsThe Akron City Council has introduced legislation to solicit bids for design and preconstruction services targeting the Cuyahoga Street storage facility, building on recent capital approvals for the city's water reclamation infrastructure.

Legislation authorizing the Director of Public Service to advertise for bids for the Cuyahoga Street Storage Facility Treatment Improvements was placed on the consent agenda.

The move follows recent council approvals for construction and state funding agreements for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Secondary Treatment Process Electrical Improvements Project.

The city is also utilizing a U.S. EPA grant to advance its Wetland Mapping, Assessment, Research, and Strategic Habitat (MARSH) Plan.

During its April 6, 2026 meeting, the Akron City Council advanced new legislation to initiate the next phase of improvements for the city's wastewater and stormwater management infrastructure. Councilman Kamer placed an ordinance on the consent agenda that authorizes the Director of Public Service to publicly advertise for bids regarding design and preconstruction services for the Cuyahoga Street Storage Facility Treatment Improvements. The legislation was the sole item of new business introduced during the session and was moved forward without further debate. The advancement of the Cuyahoga Street facility project follows a series of significant water and wastewater infrastructure approvals confirmed from the council's previous session. The city recently authorized construction contracts for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Secondary Treatment Process Electrical Improvements Project. To finance that effort, the council approved an application for a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) loan, entering into agreements with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Water Development Authority. Additionally, Akron is expanding its watershed management efforts through a newly accepted Region 5 Wetland Program Development Grant from the U.S. EPA. The federal funds will be used to facilitate the Akron Wetland Mapping, Assessment, Research, and Strategic Habitat (MARSH) Plan. In separate emergency infrastructure actions, the council also recently ratified a contract with Kenmore Construction Co., Inc. for an emergency water main repair.