Spartanburg Water Project Boosts Local Economy, Ensures Water for the Future
February 17, 2010
SPARTANBURG, SC – February 15, 2010 – A sufficient long-term water supply is essential to support a thriving local economy, and Spartanburg Water is taking that charge one step further by employing local contractors and engineers for its innovative $30 million water infrastructure project kicking off this month.
Improvements to Spartanburg Water’s largest water treatment facilities – the R.B. Simms Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Blalock Water Treatment Plant – will increase operational reliability and flexibility, will ensure future regulatory compliance, and will mean sufficient treatment capacity to serve the projected needs of the Spartanburg region for the next half century.
Along with the advantages to meeting the region’s water needs, the Simms/Blalock projects are meeting immediate needs for jobs and investment. More than a hundred workers will be employed, including nearly 50 new jobs that will be created. The overall estimated investment into the Spartanburg community will far exceed the $30 million when construction materials, supplies, jobs, and fees are factored into the equation.
“This is an economic shot-in-the-arm for the Spartanburg community,” said Spartanburg Water General Manager Sue Schneider. “We are proud to bring together a team of Upstate engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors to undertake this significant investment in our area’s growth and prosperity.”
Long recognized for its business-like approach to managing resources essential to the Spartanburg community, Spartanburg Water is using a design-build project delivery system that brings together design and construction professionals in a collaborative environment. The contract for the project was awarded to the team of Crowder Construction, B.P. Barber Engineering, and Constantine Engineering. CH2M HILL is serving as Spartanburg Water’s program manager.
“This is an innovative approach for accomplishing significant infrastructure projects,” said Schneider. “We believe it is the right choice for efficiently delivering a quality project to Spartanburg Water customers and the entire community.”
The Simms/Blalock project is part of Spartanburg Water’s master plan for Water Supply and Water Quality intended to ensure a long-term water supply and serve not only current but future generations with a clean, consistent supply of drinking water. In fact, the grandchildren of a baby born today will still have plentiful water to meet their needs thanks to thoughtful planning and strategic investments by Spartanburg Water.
For more information about Spartanburg Water, visit the agency’s website at www.spartanburgwater.org.
The mission of Spartanburg Water is to provide high quality water and wastewater services to the Spartanburg region in a reliable manner. Spartanburg Water is proudly committed to protecting public health, being good stewards of the environment, and supporting the community’s desired quality of life.
