The City of Fairhope is moving forward with a major water infrastructure project intended to improve reliability and provide additional redundancy in the city’s water system, according to a Tuesday news release.
The Baldwin County Commission approved a $2 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Local Government Recovery Infrastructure Program partner contract for the City of Fairhope Fish River Water Expansion Project. The project includes construction of a new 12-inch water main loop east of Fish River.
The new line will create an alternate feed for the water system, giving Fairhope Public Utilities more flexibility to maintain service during emergencies or required maintenance. Baldwin County’s project description identifies the loop, alternate feed and larger piping as parts of the project.
“This project is about building more reliability into our water system,” Mayor Sherry Sullivan said. “Creating another connection gives our Water Department more flexibility when maintenance or unexpected issues occur, while also strengthening the system for the future. We are extremely grateful to the Baldwin County Commission, ADECA and everyone who helped make this funding possible.”
The project is estimated to cost about $2.9 million, with $2 million supported through the grant program and the City of Fairhope providing the remaining cost.
The funding is part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program associated with long-term recovery from hurricanes Sally and Zeta. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering CDBG-DR funding made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Baldwin County received a separate allocation for long-term recovery efforts and is partnering with Fairhope on the project.
“The City appreciates the Baldwin County Commission for recognizing the importance of this project and working with us to invest in infrastructure that will serve our community for years to come,” Sullivan said.
The Fish River Water Expansion Project is part of Fairhope’s continued investment in improving reliability and system resilience for current and future customers.
