Old pipes leave city on shaky ground
January 2, 2013 at 6:00 pm in Duluth News Tribune
The ruptured main that sent more than 3 million gallons of water streaming down Duluth’s Superior Street on Tuesday afternoon offered yet another vivid reminder of the perils of neglecting to replace the city’s aging infrastructure.
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“This is something the whole country is coming to grips with. There are many cities in as bad of shape as Duluth or worse,” he said.
So as a country back in the good old days when we built a lot of infrastructure we had taxes on the wealthy of 60-70%. Times were good, we all prospered, the country grew to the benefit of all. Then, coincidentally in the 1980′s taxes on the wealthy individuals and corporations were cut to 30-40% and maintenance on that infrastructure went down hill. We now need bridges, roads, sewers and water pipes replaced and the only way apparently to pay for it is to cut social welfare and entitlement programs. Interesting history for a ‘developed’ country.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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We could have paid for a new water system with the money we waste on pork. Yes….the new airport is nice. But was the old one really that bad? How about the aquarium? Streets paved with brick but left the 100 year old pipes in place? How about the proposed high speed rail line? Gosh if we would only tax the rich all of our troubles would go away.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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Apparently, you have never flown out of the Duluth airport.
We are trying to lure aerospace technology companies to our city, as well as plenty of other people and the airport is the first thing most of them see.
The old terminal was terrible and did not provide a good first impression to anybody flying in.
Besides the airport, I don’t disagree with the rest of your sentiment.
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I have NEVER heard of replacing mains beacause of age. They will replace pipe sometimes in areas that have a history of breks that has been the case in lakeside and that is beacause that area has a high acid soil that causes electrolisis hole to happen. I had asked about replacining 100 plus valves and was turned down. The city is not doing much in the way of maintenace but insteed is fighting a losing battle on just responding to breaks. Manpower is a big issue There would be some one that would puy the gas system beacause it is relatvely new and shallow, the sewer sytem is the same age as the water system and goverment fines are leveled for “I&I” inflow and infiltration problems and you couldn’t give the water sytem away
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It seems to me there are more succinct issues, here. The water system does need to be maintained, as does other infrastructure in the city. The cost is not inconsequential, and monetary resources are limited. Fundamental sources of the money for repairs comes from taxes, user fees, state and federal grants. A substantial amount apparently came from the existing casino agreement, entered into in good faith by the city, and now apparently beong challenged by the tribe…which tribe participates in a monopoly on gaming rights.
There is not much choice on where the money must come from…either taxes or user fees, if government grants and casino revenue sharing are not available. Unless, of course, employess of the maintenance department take benefit and pay cuts. None of this is really very palatable.
I am particularly concerned about what appears to be a lack of priority for the fundamental needs of the people of Duluth, and the obvious greed associated with the failure of the tribe to honor a good faith agreement…regardless of claimed technicalities regarding BIA regulations and changes in same which may have occured over the years since the original agreement was forged.
Perhaps the city could establish new utility rate structures and classes, say adding a “gaming area classification”, and charge rates proportional to the lost revenue stream from the tribe. Maybe even radically increased parking fees in the gaming area could be charged. In addition, heavy users of the utility infrastructure could pay a more fair pro-rata service fee for that useage. Maybe even private useage rates should be revisited, but with care and fairness in mind.
As with any problem, there is an answer which will work. But only if our politicians at the city level have the courage to take a stand, get creative and get going.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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First problem is the city is run by politicians. If they want reelection they kiss your butt, then spend money foolishly leaving the next in line to do the same. It has been a rotation for years. Maybe it is time to change the form of government in Duluth so it can be run as a business instead of a good old boys system.
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Brian, you would be very surprised to find out how many bodies in the maintenance department right now, have NO benefits and only make $10/hour through the FEMA program and Welfare to Work. They are out filling potholes, brushing back skyline, ect, and ect. Should we have them go down to $8/hour and pay the city out of those wages for supplies and materials now? At what point, is the bottom low enough for you?
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