Construction Underway for New Sewer System in the City of McIntyre and Wilkinson County

Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock Worked to Secure $6.3 Million for the Project

FOR OVER THREE DECADES, THE CITY OF McIntyre and Wilkinson County authorities have diligently pursued funding to establish a public sewer system. The absence of such a system has forced residents to rely on inadequate septic systems, which are prone to flooding and overflowing, posing significant health risks through potential contamination.

In a remarkable display of bipartisan collaboration, Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock successfully secured $6.3 million in funding for the construction of a new sewer system. This achievement was realized in 2022, following the passage of the funding through both the House and Senate. With construction now underway in the City of McIntyre, the realization of this long-awaited vision of a new sewer system has taken a significant step forward. A groundbreaking event held in late April 2023 marked the official commencement of the construction process.

Senator Ossoff expressed, “Upon learning of the pressing need for additional resources in McIntyre and Wilkinson County, I actively engaged with colleagues from across the political spectrum to garner the necessary support to pass this legislation into law.”

Mayor Vicki Horne of McIntyre played a pivotal role in communicating and advocating for the implementation of this much-needed system within her city and county. Mayor Horne said, “We have faced enduring challenges in our pursuit of a safe and healthy sewer system for McIntyre and this region of Wilkinson County. This funding will enable our rural community to replace the failing septic systems, ensuring the well-being of our residents. As a nurse, I am intimately aware of the impact this will have on the safety of our community. Without the relentless determination and hard work of Senators Ossoff and Warnock, we would have never achieved this feat. We are eternally grateful for their unwavering commitment on our behalf.”

The initial phase of construction is projected to span two years. Upon its completion, the second phase will encompass the extension of the sewer system to the school system and neighboring cities in Wilkinson County.

The estimated cost of the new sewer system is approximately $20 million. The funding for this endeavor will be covered primarily by state and federal sources, with 85% of the cost accounted for. Notably, $6.3 million was specifically allocated by Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock last year. Additional funding was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s Septic-to-Sewer program.