Pocatello begins construction on Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello Public Works:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Construction is now underway on the Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project, an important infrastructure investment that will bring municipal sewer service to a portion of the Johnny Creek area that currently relies on individual septic systems.

The project is located along approximately one mile of Johnny Creek Road, between Wild Mountain Drive and Juniper Hill Road, west of Bannock Highway. Work includes installing approximately 0.8 miles of new 8-inch gravity sewer main, 24 manholes, and asphalt roadway repairs. Future phases are planned to extend sewer service into nearby neighborhoods.

Once complete, the project will provide a reliable municipal sewer connection for approximately 200 homes that currently rely on septic systems. It is also expected to reduce septic system discharge into local groundwater by an estimated 54,900 gallons per day, helping protect water quality while improving long-term public infrastructure.

The City extends its appreciation to Congressman Mike Simpson for his support in securing this critical infrastructure funding through the federal Community Project Funding process.

During construction, one lane of Johnny Creek Road will remain open at all times. Temporary traffic signals and flaggers will direct traffic as needed. The City appreciates the public's patience as this important project moves forward. Construction is expected to continue through the summer and fall, with completion anticipated by the end of October 2026, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting.

The Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project also advances the City's Comprehensive Plan 2040 and its Environmentally Resilient vision. By expanding municipal sewer service, the project supports the plan's goal of protecting and enhancing ground and surface water resources in the Portneuf River Valley while advancing the strategy of connecting more areas of the City to the sanitary sewer system to help safeguard local aquifers from contamination. Link: pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF#page=22

This project is funded through a $1.75 million grant awarded to the City of Pocatello by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. As a recipient of federal funding, the City is required to comply with all applicable grant conditions and federal requirements. Procurement for this project is being conducted in accordance with Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 28 (Purchasing by Political Subdivisions), the City of Pocatello Purchasing Policies, 2 CFR Part 200, and all other applicable EPA grant regulations. This investment supports critical infrastructure improvements that will enhance public services and benefit the Johnny Creek community for years to come.

Pocatello Projects: pocatello.gov/projects