The City of Akron has adopted its capital budget for 2013, with the vast majority being used to treat the ongoing the combined sewer overflow problem.
At-large Councilman Jeff Fusco says nearly $100 million will go towards the federally mandated water and sewer projects, which will have an affect on not only the budget itself, but the citizens of Akron.
"There's over 700 cities out there that have this type of issue and the majority of those cities have 25-30 years to take care of it," he says.
"We're told by the government to take care of our combined sewer overflow in 18 years, and that of course would have an adverse affect on our capital budget and absolutely on our rate payers."
Much like 2012, a large portion of the budget was used to repair the city's aging sewer system. The city plans on putting nearly $900 million into the project over the next 18 years.
The city's $222 million dollar budget is up from last year's budget of $208 million.
Council unanimously passed it's budget during their meeting Monday night.
Aside from the sewers, Fusco says part of the budget will go towards economic development, namely the Goodyear and Bridgestone projects, which he says is vitally important to Akron's long term future.
"This represents hundreds and hundreds of jobs here in our city that will stay in our city along with the many support jobs that go along with that," he said.
Approximately $46 million will be used towards economic development initiatives.
Other projects on the horizon include the construction of the Highland Square grocery store. Fusco said that the city has applied for a low-interest federal loan to help move the project forward.
The city is currently working with the developers on drawings and paperwork in regards to the store.
"What we've applied for is the HUD 108 funds, which is $3.8 million," Fusco said.
"It's something that's been needed in that neighborhood for a long time."
Council along with the administration took a couple of weeks to look at the budget to see where the funds would be allocated to. Councilman Fusco said that was a big help to see which funds were set aside to certain projects within the city.
