Western Virginia Water Authority Signing Ceremony Held Today

Wednesday, June 30, 2004

ROANOKE, VA—Today, the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County held a signing ceremony at Hotel Roanoke to execute the operating agreement of the Western Virginia Water Authority. The operating agreement officially transfers utility assets from both jurisdictions to the Water Authority. The Honorable W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, was the invited guest speaker. Several elected officials from both jurisdictions also delivered remarks.

On July 1, 2004, the water and wastewater operations of the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County will officially consolidate as the Water Authority, an incorporated public body independent of local government. Thereafter, the Water Authority will serve county and city water and sewer customers.

While discussion of a regional water and wastewater authority has been ongoing in the Roanoke Valley for years, the 2001–2002 drought catalyzed its development. On February 27, 2003, the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize and direct their staffs to jointly plan and create a regional water and wastewater authority. From that date forward, employees from both jurisdictions worked in 22 teams to consolidate utility operations.

“There’s no question this was a tremendous undertaking,” said Water Authority Chairman Michael Altizer. “This proves that regionalism does work. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who’s made this project a reality.”

In addition to the recent drought, the cost of developing new sources of supply and the cost of wastewater treatment convinced city and county officials that a truly regional approach to these challenges was needed. By pooling utility assets and water sources from the two jurisdictions, the Water Authority will be able to provide the city and county with better drought protection and emergency backup. The Water Authority’s FY 05 operating budget is $39.2 million; this is $1 million less than the current combined operating budgets of the city’s and county’s utilities operations.

The Western Virginia Water Authority will be the only water authority in Virginia formed from two existing entities to treat, deliver and administer water and wastewater.