NORTH PORT — The city Utilities Department is always looking for opportunities to improve and extend city services to residents. While the economic downturn in recent years caused plans for expansion of water and sewer to stall, North Port Utilities staff is happy to announce that this year, North Port will begin evaluating plans for expansion to extend services to more areas.

To assist, North Port Utilities has received a Vermeer directional drill rig and vacuum removal system which will greatly reduce costs associated with extending services to citizens on wells, in particular, and potentially some on septic, according to city officials. The directional drill equipment will be on display for the public to check out and learn more about how the equipment works, plus how it will benefit the community. Stop by City Hall at 4970 City Hall Blvd., off Sumter Blvd., at 1 p.m. today, Monday, Feb. 25, to view the directional drill rig. There will be a table set up with information and city representatives available to answer questions. The city is seeking feedback from North Port residents, as part of the evaluation process, to help determine the level of demand in city neighborhoods for service expansion. For those interested in city water and sewer service for their property or neighborhood, there will be a sign-up list available at the informational table today. For those who are not able to attend today and would like to express their interest in service extensions, a brief online survey is available at http://www.cityofnorthport.com/index.aspx?recordid=85&page=741. For more information, contact North Port Utilities at 941-240-8000.