The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has started construction on a major water and sewer project in Dowagiac and Pokagon Township.
The Pokagons say the work is designed to modernize infrastructure, support growth, protect the environment, and enhance safety in the communities while serving their own growing facilities. Matt Davis is a project manager with Wightman who serves as a representative for the Pokagon Band. He tells us with the Four Winds Casino in Dowagiac, housing, and the Pokagon government campus, the band decided to extend water and sewer service from Dowagiac.
“The significant development they’ve had there has been served primarily by on-site septic and wastewater treatment systems, and over the years as they’ve grown, they’ve needed more capacity there and had an interest in continuing to provide advanced levels of treatment to preserve the groundwater quality,” Davis said.
Davis says the project will mean about three miles of new water lines and eight miles of sewer lines. Not only will this serve Pokagon facilities, but Pokagon Township residents will be able to hook into the infrastructure being laid by the band.
“Virtually all of the improvements being made are going to be in areas where there are currently no public sanitary sewer or water services. So, this is a pretty significant opportunity.”
Davis says the work will also improve fire department services to the affected areas and reduce insurance costs.
The project covers areas in Pokagon Township and Dowagiac, including M-51 from Dowagiac to the Four Winds Casino, Edwards Street, and Sink Road leading to the government campus. Construction began this month and is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Once all is done, the city of Dowagiac will own and operate the public portions of the system.
