Alexandria To Get State Funding For Sewer System Fixes

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The state has appropriated funds for Alexandria's combined sewer system fix, which will reduce sewage overflow from entering the Potomac River. The General Assembly adopted a $25 million allocation toward the RiverRenew project to remediate Alexandria’s combined sewer system. The governor will sign the budget next month.

"We appreciate the recognition by the Governor and General Assembly that the Commonwealth should do its part to help upgrade Alexandria’s combined sewers, just as it has in other Virginia communities with the same type of infrastructure," said Mayor Justin Wilson in a statement.

The allocation will allow the Virginia Resources Authority and the State Water Control Board to make a grant to Alexandria to cover a part of the capital costs of the remediation project. The total project is estimated to be $370 million to $555 million. Primary funding comes from increases in sewer fees that residents and businesses pay. There are no sewer fee increases proposed in next year's budget.

State law approved in 2017 requires Alexandria to finish the remediation project by July 1, 2025. Alexandria's combined sewer systems are among the oldest in the U.S., dating back to the early 19th century. While 95 percent of the city is served by separate sewer systems, the remainder is served by four combined sewer outfalls that can overflow into waterways at four outfalls.

The city transferred ownership of the four combined sewer outfalls to AlexRenew, the independent wastewater authority for Alexandria. The remediation project will include constructing a tunnel and other improvements that would transport sewage and stormwater from the combined sewer systems to AlexRenew’s facility. Combined sewer flows would be treated until the facility reaches capacity. The excess flow would receive initial treatment and disinfection and the remaining flows would be stored until they can be treated.

Once the remediation is complete, the city estimates overflows into waterways would be significantly reduced and only happen a few times annually during extreme weather events.

For more about the RiverRenew project, visit riverrenew.com.