ST. JOSEPH’S CEMETERY The Cemetery is in good condition overall, but over the years the presence of underground springs and a hard glacial till soil, especially in the upper section of the Cemetery, has caused extensive water runoff and led to deteriorated roads and flooded grounds. While the Cemetery Staff patches the roads each year, there have not been enough funds available in the annual operating budget to correct the underlying problem: the need to install new underground drainage lines to direct the water properly. This would keep the water off the roads, stopping the flooding, icing and deterioration. A Capital Campaign will be kicked off this fall to raise $1,200,000 to help correct the drainage and fix the roads that are subject to flooding and icing during burials and visits in the winter and spring. While this is not enough to carry out all of the work outlined below, it will address the most serious problems. Any remaining work will be done as funds become available. Work will consist of 3 phases: Phase 1 - Install underground drainage pipes in grass areas along many of the roads in the upper cemetery. These pipes will direct the water to existing large drain lines and eliminate the water runoff that now floods and deteriorates the roads. Phase 2 - Regrade and install new drainage lines and swales along the east and west sides of the main road leading to the upper section of the Cemetery. This work will eliminate the flooding that now occurs at the bottom of that road which in turn floods the nearby side roads and gravesites. Phase 3 - Rebuild and repave the existing deteriorated paved roads. This work will be done as funds are available through the Campaign or other sources. The main roads will be paved first followed by the smaller side roads. Existing gravel roads will be re-graded as needed. Please pray for the success of this Campaign. You will soon be invited to help support these important efforts to restore and repair St. Joseph’s Cemetery!