Speedway Announces Sewer Rate Increase to Fund State-Mandated Wastewater Plant Expansion; Public Hearing Scheduled March 9
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Speedway Announces Sewer Rate Increase to Fund State-Mandated Wastewater Plant Expansion; Public Hearing Scheduled March 9
SPEEDWAY, Ind. – February 23, 2026 – The Town of Speedway will introduce a sewer rate ordinance on February 23 to fund a state-mandated expansion of the Speedway Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The project is required under an Agreed Order with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The Town must be able to handle a 10-year, 1-hour storm event without a sewer overflow and directly treat up to a 1-year, 1-hour storm event.
What the Project Includes
The expansion includes:
- Construction of a new combined sewer tank
- A separate wet weather treatment facility
- Replacement and modernization of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection equipment
- Associated upgrades to ensure full operational compliance
Construction bids will open publicly on March 5, 2026.
Project Cost and Financing
The estimated cost of the project is $15–18 million.
The Town must finance the project through sewer revenue bonds, which will be repaid over approximately 20 years.
There are no state grants available to offset this cost.
What This Means for Residents
For the average household using up to 4,400 gallons per month, the increase is estimated at approximately $8–$12 per month.
The current minimum monthly charge is approximately $26; the proposed minimum would be approximately $38. Even with the proposed rate increase, Speedway’s wastewater rate would still be nearly $20 less per month than Indianapolis.
“We recognize that any rate increase creates concern for our residents. This capital improvement project and investment in our wastewater treatment system is being required by the State of Indiana, and Speedway will meet those compliance standards so that we can continue to treat wastewater from our residents and businesses,” said Speedway Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz. “We owe it to our residents to protect our infrastructure, make improvements needed to be more efficient and to safeguard the environment, and communicate clearly about every step we are taking.”
Town officials emphasize that the sewer utility is an Enterprise Fund and that the costs to treat need to be captured to pay for its operation; these funds are used solely for system operation, maintenance and upkeep, and debt repayment.
NEW - Q&A Resource Page
For more information, visit Sewer Rate Increase Q&A
Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held:
March 9, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Speedway Municipal Center
5300 Crawfordsville Road
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and review materials before final adoption.
Financial assistance for utilities is available from several organizations. Call 211 to inquire about options.
