The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) gave its approval of two sewer projects on March 18. Each project will cost more than $2 million.

The projects were approved unanimously by the board and had no public discussion. Van Hausen & Associates Inc. was the lowest bidder on both projects.

One project is an expansion of the West Des Moines outfall extension. The expansion will extend from Mills Civic Parkway to the north side of Interstate 80 and will allow the city of Waukee to enter the WRA’s system. “It’s a big deal for us,” said Waukee City Administrator Jeff Kooistra. “The city has grown so much we can’t keep up.” Kooistra added that by 2015 the city will be completely dependent on the WRA’s system and no longer need its current sewage plant.

The other approved project was the Middle Creek trunk sewer phase 20. It is an extension that will provide additional service to the city of Norwalk and will allow the cities of West Des Moines and Cumming to connect to the WRA’s system through the Middle Creek trunk.