Atlanta approves $51 million for major mechanical repairs and Flint River Pump Station upgrades

Atlanta approves $51 million for major mechanical repairs and Flint River Pump Station upgradesThe City Council authorized two major contract renewals to address critical maintenance across water and wastewater treatment facilities, while also securing funds to resolve debris-clogging issues at the Flint River facility.

Council unanimously approved a $22 million contract renewal with Lakeshore Engineering/Contessa Construction JV and a $14 million renewal with Ruby-Collins/S.E. Consortium for major mechanical repairs.

A $15.5 million budget amendment will transfer funds from Watershed Reserves to the Flint River Pump Station Upgrades project.

The pump station overhaul will add screening and replace obsolete pumps to prevent debris clogging and extend the facility's life by 15 years.

On August 3, 2026, the Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a series of significant funding measures for the Department of Watershed Management (DWM), directing over $51 million toward critical water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance and facility upgrades. During the City Utilities Committee report, the council adopted two resolutions exercising the second renewal options for annual major mechanical repair and service contracts. The first contract, awarded to Lakeshore Engineering/Contessa Construction JV, LLC, was renewed for an amount not to exceed $22,073,840. The second agreement, with Ruby-Collins/S.E. Consortium, JV LLC, was renewed for up to $14,000,000. These one-year renewals, effective August 23, 2026, through August 22, 2027, are intended to address critical maintenance needs across the city's water and wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, through the adoption of the Consent Agenda, the council authorized a $15,573,840 amendment to the FY 2026 Water and Wastewater Renewal and Extension Fund. The funds, transferred from Watershed Reserves, are strictly earmarked for the Flint River Pump Station Upgrades project. According to meeting documents, the Flint River Pump Station has struggled to manage flows through its first stage during peak periods due to submersible pumps clogging with debris. The authorized project scope includes upgrading the pumps to prevent frequent clogging, adding screening to remove debris, and replacing obsolete second-stage pumps. The overhaul also encompasses updates to electrical, control, structural, and safety features. The DWM anticipates these improvements will extend the pump station's sustainable operational life by an additional 15 years. Other utility-related approvals during the meeting included a $1.76 million agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to adjust 245 water valve boxes and 58 sewer manholes along Roswell Road to accommodate a state milling and resurfacing project.