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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Two Cheney projects completed

Ceremonies celebrate new wastewater plant, industrial park

The city of Cheney has been working on two major projects the past few years – the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant and building the new Cheney Industrial and Commerce Park.

On Friday, Cheney held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at both locations to celebrate the completion of the projects.

Arlene Fisher, city administrator, said that the wastewater treatment plant was completed on time and under budget. Public Works Director Todd Ableman said construction was estimated at $9.3 million and actually cost $8.7 million. The engineering on the project was estimated to be $1.3 million but cost $1 million.

Ableman said the expansion of the plant has a capacity through the year 2026 and will enable the city to implement a reclaimed water program for irrigation purposes.

After the ribbon cutting, those in attendance took a tour through the plant in the new Parks and Recreation Department van and then were transported to the Industrial and Commerce Park.

The park was paid for mostly through grants. The city and Allpak Containers both contributed. The project consisted of constructing roads, installing the sewer and electrical systems and hooking up the area to the city’s fiber-optic network.

The city will now work to recruit businesses to build and move into the area, creating jobs in Cheney.

“Economic development is about opportunity and partnership,” Fisher told the crowd.

Spokane County Commissioner Bonnie Mager spoke at the ribbon cutting, commending Cheney for its work in obtaining grant money for the project.

“Being shovel-ready is the key to getting matching funds,” Mager said.