ARDMORE — Instead of reaching across the aisle to get things done, officials reached across the Alabama-Tennessee state line for a major sewer system project.
Leaders from state, federal and local agencies came together Wednesday in Ardmore to announce more than $22 million in funding to upgrade an overburdened sewer system.
Ardmore is on the Alabama/Tennessee line, and the Ardmore Water Works and Sewer Board serves residents on both sides of the state line – Ardmore, Ala., and Ardmore, Tenn. The project, which includes replacing the wastewater treatment plant, is receiving funding from both states.
“The Ardmore wastewater system has been grappling with severe issues for years, and for the past two years I have led the charge in correcting this dangerous health situation,” said State Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Madison. “The system’s deteriorating sewer lines, particularly in the downtown area, have caused significant problems, including sewer overflows, and placed an enormous strain on the town’s sewage treatment plant.
“These issues pose ongoing health and environmental risks to our community.”
The bulk of the funding, $19.99 million, to upgrade the sewer system and alleviate problems was awarded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management from the state’s share of American Rescue Plan Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars. It includes $18.679 million for construction and $1.27 million for planning and development.
“Thanks to federal funding and appropriations by Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature, Alabama is making an unprecedented investment in repairing and improving our state drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, with $1.278 billion committed in just the past two years,” ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said. “We are allocating this funding based on need, and Ardmore and its representatives have clearly demonstrated a need that we are pleased to assist them in meeting.”
For their part, Tennessee officials contributed $2,521,254 to the project. That includes $2,269,129 in ARPA grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and $252,125 from the City of Ardmore, Tenn.
TDEC presented its check to the town last year. The money was used to address inflow and infiltration problems.
Billy W., acknowledged the need for the sewer upgrades and praised the multiple officials and agencies involved.
“The addition of our new wastewater treatment facility will greatly help us meet the needs of our residents in Ardmore,” said Ardmore, Ala., Mayor Billy W. Shannon, who also serves as chairman of the Ardmore Water Works and Sewer Board. “Without the help from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, the Alabama Legislature, Rep. Andy Whitt and Sen. Tim Melson, this project would never have been possible.”
Whitt said the funding will help to completely overhaul the system.
“A critical area of concern is the system’s inability to properly manage wastewater due to the undersized system, faulty pipes and the shear amount of water that is being received at the plant,” he said. “This is leading to untreated sewage spills and has created a crisis for the town.
“This funding represents the largest infrastructure investment in Ardmore’s history and is a part of broader federal and state initiatives aimed at modernizing essential services across Alabama and addressing critical infrastructure needs, particularly in communities with limited financial resources. This effort also highlights Ardmore’s collaborative approach in tackling this important issue.”
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