Nearly $2 million given to two Central Virginia localities for water infrastructure improvements

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Nearly $2 million in funding for water infrastructure improvements was announced Wednesday for two Central Virginia localities.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan made a stop in Petersburg on Wednesday, July 17, to present a check for $959,752 to the city to help with a water improvement project.

“In a city as old as Petersburg, with aging infrastructure all over the city, it’s impacting the ability to serve the residents,” McClellan said. “We just saw that recently, and this funding will help to address that.”

The money will go toward the Poor Creek Force Main Capacity Improvement Project to replace the existing wastewater system. According to McClellan’s office, it will also reduce emergency repairs and prevent wastewater overflows into the Appomattox River.

Recently, a water main break impacted residents, causing a boil water notice to be in effect for several days.

Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham explained the funding will ultimately help them overcome these situations quicker in the future.

“It definitely would have made a huge difference in us having this extra water tower, and newer infrastructure,” Parham said.

A separate check was presented in Colonial Heights just a few hours before, where another $959,752 was given to help improve water quality, capacity and pressure for residents there.

“Clean drinking water is really important for everybody and we know that a lot of our cities have a very old water infrastructure that needs replacement,” McClellan said.

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