Summer projects initiated by the city of Portage are experiencing significant cost increases because of high oil prices.

It means many will come in over-budget.

 

Engineering division manager Ian Millen points out rising fuel prices have had an across-the-board effect.

 

As an example, he has to deal with 35 per cent increases for the new west end lift station, as well as sewer and water renewals throughout the city.  For road work, Millen's looking at a 25 per cent cost hike for overlays, while new construction is up 45 to 50 per cent.

 

He stresses no projects have been canceled, and the costs have been covered by money from reserves.