Paris, TN – A project 8 years in the making, came to fruition today as the ribbon was cut at the new Paris BPU Water Treatment Plant. The new system replaces a 70-year-old facility that was costly to operate and maintain.
Paris BPU President & CEO, Terry Wimberley was joined in attendance by Tony Brown- Paris BPU Vice President Water & Wastewater Operations, Damon Dowdy – Paris BPU Water Treatment Plant Manager, Paris Utility Authority Board members, representatives from W & O Construction, Jacobs Engineering, USDA Rural Development, Chamber executives, government officials and community members.
In his opening remarks, Wimberley emphasized the excitement surrounding the opening of this new plant and how advantageous it will be for the residents of Paris and Henry County.
“For the last 70 years, we have provided households in Paris and Henry County with high quality and reliable water utility services,” said Wimberley. “We look forward to this new plant serving our community for the next 70 years.”
To support this $10 million-dollar investment in the community, Paris BPU leveraged government grants and low interest government loans to minimize the impact on water rate payers. This new plant provides customers with the sustainable and reliable service they have come to expect from Paris BPU.
“I cannot praise our staff enough for the way they have handled the transition from our old facility to the new plant,” said Brown. “They have had to learn new processes, new technologies and have met every challenge along the way.”
About BPU – Established as an independent board of the City of Paris in 1938, BPU is a municipally-owned utility that provides electric, water and wastewater services to residents of Paris and Henry County as a means of promoting economic development and enhancing quality of life in the community. Serving over 21,000 homes and businesses, BPU strives to provide reliable, safe and affordable services to our community.