The Texas Construction News staff writer
AUSTIN – Austin Water and city officials broke ground in mid-April on a massive $1.5 billion expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a project aimed at modernizing critical infrastructure for a city whose population is projected to reach 1.5 million by 2040.
The expansion will increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 75 million gallons per day (MGD) to 100 MGD. Originally built in 1977, the facility currently treats more than 50% of Austin’s wastewater. Key upgrades include a new ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system to replace chlorine gas, advanced odor control technologies, and a flood wall to protect against extreme weather.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone in securing vital City Services, while energizing economic development and creating jobs,” said assistant city manager Mike Rogers.
Funding for the project includes up to $1 billion from the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and $59 million from the Texas Water Development Board. The project team includes MWH Constructors as the construction manager at risk and AECOM for design engineering.
