Tuscumbia Utilities breaks ground on new wastewater plant

The City of Tuscumbia Department of Utilities held a ceremony Friday, Oct. 25, to break ground on its new $30.6 million wastewater plant project.

City officials and others moved dirt to mark the next phase in the process that has been ongoing since 2020.

“This is the beginning of another phase, and we are happy to be here and to get it started,” said Jeff McDonald, general manager of Tuscumbia Utilities.

Wes Cardwell with Garver Engineers, a consultant on the project, said the original wastewater facility began operations in 1960, with a new section added in 1986.

“It has been basically untouched since,” Cardwell said. “The plant no longer fits (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) specifications, and so it needs renovations. Once finished, the new facility will serve the community for decades to come.”

McDonald said of the $30.6 million price tag, the City Council helped obtain a $10 million bond.

“We would not be here without the support of the Mayor and City Council,” he said. “They have supported us this whole time. We cannot borrow money without them.”

State Rep. Kerry “Bubba” Underwood of House District 3 said he was able to ask for and obtain a $5.2 million grant from American Rescue Plan Act funds that does not have to be paid back.

When this project began, Underwood was mayor of Tuscumbia.

“I would consider this my first success as a state representative, because it started right when Mayor (William) Foster took over the Council, and this was the first ask I had of Montgomery,” Underwood said.

“We had a good bit of COVID money that was passed through for infrastructure work, things like water and sewer. ADEM oversaw this, and since they were the ones forcing our hand (to upgrade), I think it made the ask a little easier.”

Underwood said the City also secured a loan from the state for $5.5 million at a 1.99% interest rate.

“We got a promise from ADEM that if this project creates a detriment to the City of Tuscumbia’s budget, they will help us further,” he said.

McDonald said Tuscumbia Utilities still has $9.935 million remaining to obtain for the project, and multiple avenues are being explored.

The City is attempting to find more grant money, with McDonald saying another loan can be taken at any time if need be.

McDonald said the target start date for construction is Nov. 1, with the project expected to take two years to complete.