Work is about to get under way on Phase I of a $440,000 Bogalusa Sewer Evaluation and Repair project.

The two-phase project is funded by a capital outlay from the state with a 20 percent match from the city, although the state has granted a waiver for some of the city’s portion based on the emergency nature of the work.

Phase I focuses on the Military Road area, where serious sewer issues have resulted in street cave-ins.

The evaluation of the sewer was funded by a Lake Pontchartrain Foundation grant, and the rest of the project is funded through the capital outlay and city match.

The project will include the installation of a new lift station and replacement and rerouting of deteriorating sewer lines in the area.

A pre-construction meeting is expected this week, and low-bidder Tullier Construction is scheduled to begin the work this month.

Phase II of the overall project addresses the Austin Street area, where the evaluation of sewer lines showed the joints in the old sewer pipes had deteriorated.

That project will include relining the sewer pipes throughout the affected area.

Mayor Charles Mizell said that by repairing the sewers, the city is “eliminating the deterioration of the base.”

It’s a win/win situation because it enables lasting street work to be done, he said.

When asked Tuesday for an update on the general status of the street program, he said he was scheduled to meet with the city’s engineering firm that afternoon.

“We’re participating in a transfer program with the state,” Mizell said.

“I will make the official presentation to them this week.”

The mayor said he would present a five-year streets restoration, refurbishment and rehabilitation plan that would, in some areas throughout town, include sidewalks and streetscapes.

“I will present a full evaluation of our needs,” he said. “Our expectation is a program with a value of $6 million.”

Under the transfer program Bogalusa would take ownership of some of the state highways in the city.

“The state would bring them up to an acceptable standard,” Mizell said.

“They would do an evaluation and pay us the balance of the cost to get to standard, plus about $450,000 per mile, single lane, and more for bridges, red lights.”

Mizell said he hopes to get the state support that would enable the repair of some city roadways. In the meantime, the base work continues.

“We still have some challenges with the sewers,” he said.

“We’re going to be doing some point repairs and some overlay projects.

“I ask the citizens to bear with us, to excuse the inconvenience. But it’s kind of the price we pay for progress.”