Capital Improvement Projects Meet Infrastructure Needs, Boosts Economic Development

Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) allow localities to meet critical infrastructure needs while contributing to economic development. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) completes and begins many CIP projects that positively impact our customers, as well as the residents and visitors of our region and state.

 In 2009, as part of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program, DPU began upgrading the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The $156 million series of projects included improvements for the removal of more nitrogen and phosphorous pollutants.

Stormwater improvements on S. Kinsley Avenue

The Water Treatment Plant saw improvements as well, the most notable being the installation of the last roof on the treated water basin. Many general plant and electrical upgrades were also completed.
Stormwater projects include work in Manchester on a combined sewer overflow regulator. The Fan District has a new green alley on the 1900 block of Grove Avenue that will help absorb stormwater and eliminate flooding. Improvements on 14th Street in the Downtown area include stormwater absorbing plantings and tree wells.

Rounding out DPU’s five utilities, other projects include the ongoing replacement of natural gas lines throughout the city and upgraded streetlights in the western part of the Fan District. All CIPs are planned and implemented as part of the comprehensive plan to make the best Richmond.

By design, CIPs cost more than $25,000 and have an expected life greater than the life of any debt used to fund the project. They require public funds for the purchase, construction, enhancement or replacement of physical infrastructure assets.

Cover on treated water tank

E. 2nd Street combined sewer overflow regulator project

Chemical systems improvements at Wastewater Plant