A $4.2 million project to install a raw water tank at the Coyner Springs water treatment plant in Waynesboro has been completed ahead of schedule.
The total project cost includes engineering and construction.
The 1.2-million-gallon tank adds storage, improves system reliability and ensures long-term water capacity, especially as residential construction surges in the city.
Previously, water from wells and springs flowed directly into the treatment system, limiting capacity and increasing operational risks especially during power outages.
The new tank allows staff to optimize flow, reduce chemical use and protect vital membrane filters from pressure surges, according to the city.
“This tank strengthens everything we do,” said Dwayne Schwartz, water treatment plant manager. “It gives us storage, testing flexibility, and most of all, stability. This upgrade helps us manage water more efficiently and safely,” said Schwartz. “It also gives us the data we need to plan for the future.”
The City of Waynesboro will celebrate the water tank completion with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. at the water treatment plant. The plant is located at 2091 Lyndhurst Road.
Project funded by ARPA, enterprise fund
The City of Waynesboro allocated $2.5 million of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to the project. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law by former President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, and it guaranteed direct funding to all cities, towns and villages in the U.S.
Waynesboro received just over $9 million in ARPA monies with funding allocated to:
- West End Fire Station, $3.7 million
- Raw water tank, $2.5 million
- Sunset Park, $2.0 million
- Premium pay, $770,235.75
ARPA funds were designated to address the public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Proper uses of ARPA funds included providing premium pay to essential workers; providing government services to the extent of revenue loss due to the pandemic; making necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; disaster relief; surface transportation and Community Development Block Grants.
The rest of the funds came from the city’s enterprise fund supported by the fees residents and businesses pay on their water bills. In other words, the expense of the raw water tank was not paid from the general fund of the city which is funded by taxes and pays for things like police, fire, parks and schools.
“This separation ensures that water treatment, infrastructure, operations and long-term planning are sustained by the people who use the service, creating a reliable and transparent funding model,” said Deana Desjardins, special projects coordinator for the City of Waynesboro Public Works.
Related stories: ARPA
- Analysis: ARPA outlays to local governments totaled $60.5M; breaking down how it was spent
- Sunset Park in Waynesboro has potential to be open by end of year
- Money well spent: $1M in ARPA funds boosts sports tourism in Virginia
- Harrisonburg City Council to use ARPA funds to help childcare providers with growth
- Harrisonburg on track to better address mental, behavioral health with ARPA fund distribution
- Virginia awarded $1.5 million in ARPA funds to strengthen Medical Reserve Corps
- Mental Health Month: Harrisonburg opens up local ARPA mental health grants
- Harrisonburg seeks input on prioritizing most critical needs for ARPA funds
Support AFP
Share
Crystal Graham
