Perry opens $50 million wastewater treatment plant

Perry Mayor Randall Walker says the facility was designed to support the growing eastern part of the city and is providing necessary upgrades to the city’s sewage infrastructure.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The city of Perry recently opened its new $50 million wastewater treatment plant, which cleans used water from homes and businesses, removing harmful organisms.

Perry Mayor Randall Walker says the facility was designed to support the growing eastern part of the city and is providing necessary upgrades to the city’s sewage infrastructure. Mayor Walker says this project began about eight years ago because the previous plant was at capacity.

“So, we decided that we would build something that I would characterize as multi-generational. so, we moved it out to the confluence of Mossy Creek and Big Indian Creek; which gave us a much larger capacity, for long term use of that plant,” said Walker.

He says in 2025, Perry officials raised water and sewer rates due to the growth of the city.

“Our ongoing cost is going up; there’s no question about that. Our electric bill is just everybody else’s electric bill in their house; and that’s almost doubled in the last couple of years. So, there will be small increases as we move forward to cover our costs,” said Walker.

Mayor Walker says he understands the concern about the rate increase, but the new plant was needed.

“Well, the city of Perry is growing dramatically and without this new wastewater treatment plant, we wouldn’t have new residential growth, we couldn’t accept new industrial growth, and all the new businesses that are showing up here. The new restaurant wouldn’t be able to build here; so, it’s a long-term investment for us here,” said Walker.

He wants residents to know this new facility has been a long time coming after the city took part in a feasibility study six years ago.

“We did a feasibility back in ’19, so we’ve been working on this plant for a long time. I think this plant will serve the city of perry for the next 100 years. And I think growth will continue here for some period of time,” said Walker.

The new wastewater treatment plant is located at 367 AE Harrison Road.