Urbana Park District and the Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) dedicated the new sanitary bridge at Crystal Lake Park on Saturday, May 4.

The bridge also acts as a sanitary sewer pipe running from the city to the Northeast Treatment Plant.

The UCSD and the park district worked together to fund the project, but there still wasn't enough money for the sanitary district to complete it. The late state senator, Scott Bennett came through and helped secure $300,000 in state grants to fully fund the project. Bennett's successor, State Senator Paul Faraci made sure the funds came though and the old bridge was demolished and the new bridge is now open.

"Local government works best when different entities work together to get things done," commented Michael Walker, Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners President. "This project not only helps Crystal Lake Park, but it also helps city infrastructure," he added.

Faraci, Walker and UCSD Board President Jennifer Putman cut the ribbon officially dedicating the bridge.

The bridge is located west of The Lake House in Crystal Lake Park.