Madison approves 2026 sanitary sewer capital budget amendment for relief sewer project

Madison approves 2026 sanitary sewer capital budget amendment for relief sewer projectThe Common Council unanimously passed a supermajority measure to fund and award the Fordem Avenue and First Street relief sanitary sewer contract as part of its consent agenda.

The council amended the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Utility Capital Budget to award Public Works Contract 9807.

The Fordem Avenue and First Street relief sanitary sewer project required a 15-vote supermajority for approval.

Additional approvals included the Willows Biobasin Repair, West Badger Mill Creek Greenway, and Glenway Backyard Pipe Repairs.

The City of Madison Common Council unanimously approved an amendment to the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Utility Capital Budget during its July 21, 2026, meeting. The measure authorizes the award of Public Works Contract 9807 for the Fordem Avenue and First Street relief sanitary sewer project. The capital budget amendment and contract award, located in District 12, required a 15-vote supermajority from the council. The measure was adopted unanimously as part of the consent agenda without further debate, following prior recommendations for approval from both the Finance Committee and the Board of Public Works. The council also used the consent agenda to advance several other water and stormwater infrastructure initiatives. Plans and specifications were approved to advertise and receive bids for the Willows Biobasin Repair, and a public works contract was awarded for the West Badger Mill Creek Greenway project. Additionally, the council approved plans and specifications for the Glenway Backyard Pipe Repairs. Based on an explicit recommendation from the Board of Public Works, the pipe repair project will require coordination with local residents to ensure minimal disruption and the implementation of tree protection measures during construction. Several other water-related items were introduced to the council for future consideration, including the proposed issuance of up to $10.3 million in Subordinate Water Utility Revenue Bonds for 2026, and the appointment of Christine Knapp for a five-year term as the new Water Utility General Manager.