Henrico County advances $52M in contracts for sewer rehab and cross-county water transmission

Henrico County advances $52M in contracts for sewer rehab and cross-county water transmissionThe Board of Supervisors has awarded contracts to Vortex Services and Abernathy Construction for critical utility upgrades, including an $11.6 million sewer rehabilitation phase and a major 42-inch water main to transfer water across the county.

Vortex Services, LLC secured an $11.59 million contract for Phase 2 of the East Highland Park Sewer Rehabilitation project.

A $40.32 million roadway improvement contract awarded to Abernathy Construction includes the installation of 12-inch and 42-inch water mains.

The 42-inch main represents the county's first effort to dig and install pipe designed to move water from the western to the eastern side of the county.

The board introduced an ordinance to update maximum wastewater discharge limits and establish PFAS monitoring requirements, with a public hearing scheduled for August 25.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors approved a pair of major infrastructure contracts during its July 28 meeting, advancing nearly $52 million in projects that feature substantial water and wastewater network expansions. The board awarded an $11.59 million fixed-price contract to Houston-based Vortex Services, LLC for Phase 2 of the East Highland Park Sewer Rehabilitation project. The project involves the rehabilitation and replacement of aging sanitary sewer mains, laterals, and manholes that have exceeded their service life. Vortex Services was the lowest responsive bidder among four competitors. Work is slated to begin in October and will be funded through the county's Water and Sewer Revenue Fund. In a concurrent move, the board approved a $40.32 million unit-price contract to Abernathy Construction Corporation for the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike Improvements project. While the two-year project is primarily a roadway widening and shared-use path initiative, it integrates major public water infrastructure. The work includes the installation of 12-inch and 42-inch water mains running the entire length of the project corridor. County officials noted during the meeting that the 42-inch transmission main is a critical asset designed to transport water from the west side of the county to the east side, marking the first physical installation phase for that cross-county water transfer effort. On the regulatory front, Public Utilities Director Bentley Chan introduced an ordinance to update the county's wastewater discharge limits. The proposed amendments will align local maximum discharge limits with state permitting requirements, establish new requirements for PFAS discharge monitoring, and conform reporting to federal regulations. The board unanimously approved the introduction of the ordinance, setting a public hearing for August 25. Additionally, during a broader discussion on the county's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, the County Manager addressed public concerns regarding the Cobbs Creek Reservoir. Responding to citizen comments about a potential water-sharing agreement to supply up to 2 million gallons per day to a proposed gas plant in neighboring Cumberland County, the Manager clarified that while negotiations were authorized by the board in 2025, absolutely no agreement currently exists between the two counties.