WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A Warner Robins project could be up and running in the coming months. The city's utility director says they hope to open their new water plant this March.
Stan Bush is used to the sight of dirt plots, tractors and new development.
"There's been so many different things coming up here and it's been good to watch," he said.
Bush is a Houston County native.
"Our family moved here in 1955 over at 501 Diggs Boulevard," Bush said.
He left the county and came back in the 80's. It came with perks, like being in a familiar space and having good water service.
"I've lived in a lot of different cities and the water wasn't always that good. I've been in places where I went in there and used it, and I didn't even know if it was going to turn on," Bush said.
More people will soon be able to plug into city water in March. Their new plant is on Crestview Church Road and Highway 41, not far from Buc-cees.
"The other part of this, is were running water lines from this tank all over the JDA site," Utility Director Montie Walters shared.
The 2 million gallon tank will serve customers along Russell Parkway, Vietnam Veterans Parkway, Watson Boulevard and Gunn Road. This covers areas where Walters says developers are waiting to build.
"'It's all from the growth that we're doing with this infrastructure," Walters said. "We've been really aggressive recently with our growth and trying to get our projects going, because people are waiting on us now. That's not the way we want it to be. We want to be ahead of the curve. We want to tell them when they come, we're ready for them."
He says the city is investing nearly $32 million in infrastructure with hopes to see more development and handle the load, including through their sewer lines. They are slowly nearing capacity.
"We're only at 9 million, so we have the capacity to provide for 12 million," Walters says.
The multi-phase project has been slightly delayed, but he says they have about $24 million set aside for the line expansion. It covers areas in Bonaire and Kathleen.
"As soon as we get the easements, that will be put out on bid and we'll start phase one," Walters said.
They are still acquiring land for phase two and three. Walters says they are also working to build a new pump station near Veterans High School, and in the next five years, they will likely start planning a new wastewater plant.