MSD Project Clear Breaks Ground on First Stormwater Project Funded by Prop S

MSD Project Clear today broke ground on the Ulena Storm Improvements project at 5042 Ulena Avenue, marking the first project to enter construction under the Stormwater Capital Program funded by voter approval of Proposition S in April 2024.

The project will install approximately 150 feet of new stormwater sewer pipe along Walsh Street, adding a separate storm sewer to carry excess runoff away from homes, yards, and streets in the surrounding neighborhood. By creating a dedicated pipe, the project will convey stormwater directly into the area's existing combined sewer system and reduce the localized flooding that residents have experienced for years.

Construction will use an open-cut method, with periodic lane closures on Walsh Street during active work. Kelpe Contracting is the project contractor. Work is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

"Proposition S established our first dedicated, region-wide funding source for stormwater improvements," Bret Berthold, Executive Director and CEO of MSD Project Clear, said. "And today, it goes to work. For decades, our communities have lived with flooding and erosion problems we knew about but didn't have a dedicated way to address across our service area. The Ulena project is the first of many, and we're excited to start making progress on hundreds of stormwater problems throughout the region."

Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, who represents the City of St. Louis' 1st Ward where the project is located, joined MSD leadership for the groundbreaking and spoke to the impact on her constituents.

"The 1st ward has been hit hard by heavy rains and flooding. Our community has been calling for improvements like this one, and I look forward to seeing many more," Schweitzer said.

State Senator Karla May, who represents Missouri's 4th District, and State Representative Steve Butz, who represents Missouri's 81st District in south St. Louis, also joined MSDPC and city leaders for the groundbreaking.

"For years, residents in this neighborhood have dealt with flooding and stormwater issues that impacted their homes, streets, and quality of life," said State Representative Steve Butz. "Thanks to the voters who supported Proposition S, we are finally seeing dedicated investment in projects that directly improve our communities. This groundbreaking is an important first step toward building safer, stronger, and more resilient neighborhoods across St. Louis."

Tom Kelpe, president of Kelpe Contracting, spoke to the work ahead.

"Kelpe Contracting has been installing sewers in the St. Louis region for more than 65 years, and we're proud to be the contractor on the first Prop S project to break ground," said Tom Kelpe, president of Kelpe Contracting. "Building infrastructure improvements that protect our communities from flooding is the kind of work we know and love to do, and we're thrilled to get started."