The City of Richmond Hill held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening today for its new $30 million wastewater treatment facility at Sterling Creek. The plant will double the city’s capacity to treat wastewater from 1.5 million gallons per day to 3 million, and can eventually be expanded to 4 million gallons per day.

“The city was under a mandate and consent order to upgrade our water system. Many may think this is due to our years of exponential growth; however, our water system would have had to be updated to meet compliance even without an increase in population,” said Chris Lovell, city manager. “This system update will not only meet current regulations, but will poise our city for future growth.”

In addition to Mayor Harold Fowler and city officials, the ceremony was attended by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and state Rep. Ron Stephens.

“I’d like to congratulate city leaders on their vision and foresight to build this facility,” said Carter. “This demonstrates good planning and good infrastructure.”

Rep. Stephens agreed: “This new facility sets the framework for the growth that is to come in Richmond Hill. This will help grow new businesses and attract new residents.”

The City of Richmond Hill received $23.5 million in loans to build the state-mandated Sterling Creek wastewater treatment facility: 10.5 million from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), on top of two prior loans totaling $13 million. Richmond Hill will pay 1.03 interest on the 20-year loan and receive a million-dollar debt forgiveness. GEFA provides communities throughout Georgia with low-interest loans to fund wastewater infrastructure and water pollution-reduction projects.