Dear Editor, Big improvements are coming to Depew!
For a small town that was once known for having the best water around, a hard truth currently sits on the surface. While larger towns have been able to smoothly transition into the 21 st century, small towns have struggled to keep up with the systems they have. Depew, being among those small towns, has spent the last few years trying to wade through the issues at hand. In 2021 there was a change in the Public Works Department in the form of a new PWA Director. Amid that change over, numerous areas for improvement were discovered. Some of those being the lack of accurate, up to date mapping of the town water and sewer lines, inoperable and/or obsolete hydrants in need of repair or replacement, rainwater infiltration within the sewer systems, needed repairs to the water system, tinhorn placement for drainage improvements, and more. At that point the planning began. Jeff Taylor (PWA Director) and Brandy Wallace (Town Treasurer/ Clerk) started reaching out to see what options a small town like Depew may have. In doing so they learned of some programs through OMAG, OML and the ORWB that have begun to help with the issues at hand. Such as Diamond mapping, a tool to help map all aspects of town PWA systems. He has also worked closely with Brandy Wallace (Town Clerk/Treasurer) to acquire grants to help alleviate the financial burden on the town. Up to date they have acquired a grant to purchase all new ultrasonic meters and the software to run the system to improve billing, detect leaks more quickly for the homeowner and reduce man hours by eliminating manual meter reads. Another grant to replace 23 hydrants and install gate valves for each of them. Also grants to purchase shoring equipment to ensure safety while working in holes, PPE and safety signage to keep the employees safe, and one to purchase tinhorns to address the drainage issues in town.
Additional grants are currently be applied for to help complete the hydrant and valve project and a sewer project that will be rolled out in 3 phases over the course of 3 years. Additionally, there will be a meeting with the Department of Commerce on Oct. 2, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Depew High School auditorium.They will discuss ways to rebuild town commerce in an effort to bring revenue back into the revitalization of the Town of Depew. All citizens are encouraged to join.
Nichole Bjerke Depew TownTrustee