The Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board will get a hefty $5.8 million for improvements after years of mismanagement left the system in extremely poor conditions.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is providing the funds for repairs to water tanks and sewers, upgrades, design for future infrastructure and financial audits that are well overdue.
Court-appointed receiver John Young will manage projects.
“This grant from ADEM is a strong start toward a multi-year restoration project of essential water and wastewater infrastructure that has been neglected for too long,” Young said.
Prichard and the surrounding area citizens have suffered from water issues and outages due to leaky, corroded water lines, mildew in water tanks and corrosion outside of water tanks. The sewer system has also had problems, including overflows.
“ADEM’s goal is getting Prichard to the point where it can adequately meet the water and sewer needs of residents now and in the future,” ADEM director Lance LeFleur said. “Extreme water losses, operation and management issues, and financial mismanagement have left the system in dire condition. We are pleased to be able to work with the receiver as he works to resolve some very challenging issues.”
Around $300,000 of the funds will be used to update the system on audits. The system was so behind that it could not qualify for other state funding.
ADEM already gave $400,000 to the system in 2022 to conduct audits for years prior.
“Both the water and sewer system in Prichard suffer from poor maintenance and the lack of capital improvements,” LeFleur stated. “Resolving these issues will be a long-term effort and commitment. ADEM will continue to assist PWWSB and the receiver to bring drinking water and sewer services into compliance and to protect the health and well-being of residents.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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