Marseilles extends water, sewer to Interstate 80 for development

Developer bought old Taco Time building to make into truck stop, restaurant

The July 21 council meeting for Marseilles was a landmark: After being in the works for more than 40 years, commissioners finalized a contract with John Pohar Construction to extend city water and sewer to Interstate 80.

John Pohar Construction was the low bidder among eight bids, coming in at $4.2 million. It’s a company the city of Marseilles is used to working with, most recently hiring them to construct the East Broadway Street boat launch.

“This was a historical day for Marseilles,” said Mayor Jim Hollenbeck. “Previous council’s need to be recognized as well, as this accomplishment took a substantial amount of work over the years annexing properties and working our annexation agreements.”

Marseilles also took in Rutland Street, also known as East 24th Road, from the county to create this infrastructure along with the sidewalks from the American Legion to 11th Street and up Bratton Avenue to 10th Street.

“I am hopeful that Pohar can get started next month sometime,” Hollenbeck said. “The project also includes sewer and water to the Walbridge subdivision located on the west side of Rutland Street at North 2950th Road.”

Hollenbeck said a developer has purchased the old Taco Time property, a location that’s long since been abandoned at the Marseilles exit, with the intention of building a truck stop and a restaurant.