RESERVE — Businesses on Airport Road in Reserve will see a decrease in their monthly water bills due to the parish-led plan for an improved collective wastewater system planned for the area.

Parish officials and leaders gathered Thursday to break ground on the site of the project, which will provide the businesses access to public wastewater as opposed to the current individual treatment systems.

Parish officials touted the project as an improvement and savings to current businesses and an enhancement attracting new businesses to the industrial complex.

The $444,000 wastewater upgrade has been in the making for several years and includes a sewer lift station, force main and gravity system to serve businesses in the industrial park and airport.

Construction began this week and is expected to last 180 days.

Through two grants, the Delta Regional Authority is funding 65 percent of the project, totaling $290,000, with the remaining money coming from the parish’s Waste Water Operating Fund.

“It will help these local businesses save money, which the businesses can in turn invest in job creation and business expansion in St. John Parish,” Federal Co-Chairman of the Authority Chris Masingill said.  “This is a great advancement that shows both local and federal governments working together for the betterment of the community.”

Durr Heavy Construction will be leading the project, building 2,645 linear feet of collection lines, manholes, a duplex pump station and 2,200 linear feet of force main to connect with the existing gravity system south of Airline Highway.

Professional Engi-neering Consultants designed the plans for the improvements.

“As an engineer, it is always a good day when you can stick a shovel in the ground and make ideas a reality,” Consultants design engineer Gerald Babin said.

According to project manager Philip Patteson, the project will be constructed with as little disturbance to those in the area as possible.

Communications will be provided to businesses in the area through the parish’s mass notification system as the project progresses.

Street closures are not anticipated.

Parish President Natalie Robottom thanked those who have been involved in the project from its inception, including those in her administration, as well as local and state agencies and businesses.

“This project, as well as many others, is a testament to my staff’s active pursuit and use of grant funding to complete critical projects,” Robottom said.

— By Kristen Higdon