Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard today led a dedication ceremony to mark the official completion of the Camp Scott wetlands project.

Camp Scott is a $20 million project to reduce the risk of basement backups during wet weather conditions in neighborhoods around McMillen Park.

Camp Scott complements the City's combined sewer overflow compliance program by managing the number of combined sewer overflows being sent to the Maumee River. The project helps the City's stormwater quality program by treating stormwater through engineered wetlands. The new facility will provide residents and students a place for walking and learning, and fishing may be possible in the future.

"This award winning project is the result of a unique partnership. Federal, state, city, and neighborhood leaders have worked together for a positive result to help meet environmental challenges," said Mayor Richard. "This innovative project benefits the entire community and improves the quality of life for residents."€

A series of neighborhood sewer separation projects, as part of the overall Camp Scott initiative, will continue through 2006.

The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) selected the Camp Scott project for the IACT Community Achievement Award. IACT will recognize Fort Wayne later today at its annual conference being held in Fort Wayne today through Wednesday.

Congressman Mark Souder and Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar helped the City receive $2 million in federal grants to help finance the project. Camp Scott was a military training facility and prisoner of war camp during World War II.