Columbus approves $16.4M Southerly wastewater plant upgrade alongside broader infrastructure package

Columbus approves $16.4M Southerly wastewater plant upgrade alongside broader infrastructure packageThe Columbus City Council has greenlit multiple water and wastewater contracts, utilizing Ohio Water Development Authority loans to fund critical plant upgrades, construction management, and neighborhood green infrastructure.

A $16.4 million construction contract was awarded to Claypool Electric, Inc. for power system and safety improvements at the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Ascension Construction Solutions secured a $1.4 million contract modification for professional construction management across the city's wastewater treatment facilities.

Stantec Consulting Services was awarded $1.2 million for construction administration on a green infrastructure and water main replacement project in the Greater Hilltop neighborhood.

Funding for the major water infrastructure projects is contingent upon loan approvals from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA).

During its March 2, 2026 meeting, the Columbus City Council approved a suite of water and wastewater infrastructure contracts totaling approximately $19 million. The approvals, advanced by the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee, rely heavily on anticipated financing from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). The largest authorization was Ordinance 300-2026, which awarded a $16,420,654 construction contract to Claypool Electric, Inc. The contract covers power system upgrades and safety improvements at the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant. Councilmember Christopher Wyche noted that the project will replace critical aging electrical gear to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the plant's treatment processes. Claypool Electric brings a strong track record of handling municipal water infrastructure in Ohio, having previously managed a 36-month electrical overhaul for the Washington Court House wastewater expansion and a $2 million equipment modernization at the Hoover Dam that upgraded SCADA controls while minimizing outages and maintaining uninterrupted water flow. The expenditure will be drawn from the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund and the Sanitary Bond Fund. To support ongoing oversight at its treatment facilities, the council also approved a $1,429,878 contract modification with Ascension Construction Solutions, LLC (Ordinance 247-2026). The firm provides professional construction management services for the city's wastewater treatment facilities. According to Wyche, these services are intended to provide quality control and reduce the number of construction claims, ensuring that municipal wastewater projects are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to the wastewater treatment facility investments, the council addressed localized stormwater and distribution challenges. Ordinance 122-2026 authorized a $1,204,509 contract modification with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for construction administration and inspection services. The contract supports the Highland-Harris Integrated Solutions and South Eureka Avenue Waterline Improvements Project in the Greater Hilltop neighborhood. The initiative involves installing green infrastructure and replacing water mains on two streets, a move designed to reduce stormwater overflows into local basements and waterways. Funding for the Stantec contract will utilize the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund and the Water Fresh Market Rate Fund. All three major water and wastewater ordinances were approved unanimously by the council and remain contingent upon final loan approvals from the OWDA.