POTTSBORO, TX -- The City of Pottsboro is making some structural improvements to their creeks and overpasses, but this isn't just routine maintenance.

In March of 2007 the TCEQ fined the City of Pottsboro $128,000 for not keeping their water treatment facility up to code.

Instead of paying the fine outright into the state's general fund, the city applied for a Supplemental Environmental Project Program.

The SEP Program has been around for over a decade and allows cities to spend money due in fines on community improvement projects instead.

Pottsboro city manager Kevin Farley says although it's never good to have to pay a fine, at least the money is being spent locally where it is needed.

“I feel good about it. If there is a silver lining, we're able to spend that money locally. We’re able to accomplish a project that I think is going to benefit the citizens of Pottsboro," Farley says.

In addition to the work being done now, Farley says that the city has spent over $250,000 in the last two years to bring their water treatment facility back up to code.