FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Leslie Strickler leslies@etrecommunications.com, 804-240-080 or Clay Hamner chamner@lythos.com, 804-339-5818
December 12, 2016
Petersburg, Virginia: Petersburg City Council voted to consider a proposal from Aqua Virginia, Inc. to turn over the management and assets of water and wastewater from the City to a private company to own and operate the systems, invest capital in infrastructure and assume responsibility for billing and collections.
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Assembly created a vehicle for municipalities to finance large projects through the PPEA (Public-Private Education and Infrastructure Act) in 2002 in Virginia and adopted in Petersburg in 2008. . A potential partnership would allow an outside provider to maintain all meters, pipes, billing, and personnel handling of the water and wastewater utilities systems, but does not include the water supply and wastewater treatment.
“The City of Petersburg infrastructure was built in the 1800s,” said City Engineer Daniel Harrison. “It is old with aging water mains, clay and cast iron pipes. We do not have an ongoing replacement plan. Our system is close to needing major improvements.”
According to Robert Bobb of the Robert Bobb Group, “We have an obligation to look at every aspect of City management and finances. Consideration of using the water and wastewater resources as an asset provides the City with a long term plan for managing its most fundamental responsibility.”
Other municipalities in the Commonwealth of Virginia have utilized this type of PPEA Partnership. Bids for these services will be considered over the next 45 days through eVA and other public notices.
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