- The city of Archer completed Phase 1 of the $6.58 million regional wastewater plant on time and within budget last week.
- Phase 1 connected Archer's wastewater system to Newberry's, with Archer using about 15% of Newberry's total capacity.
- Phase 2 will build a major lift station and additional infrastructure, with Phase 3 constructing a collection system in Newberry.
Last week, the city of Archer celebrated an on-time and in-budget completion of the first of three construction phases for the regional wastewater treatment facility it’s building in partnership with the city of Newberry.
The two cities entered into an interlocal agreement for the $80 million, 1.2-million-gallon plant in January 2024 and broke ground in June, with a three-year finish line projected.
Archer received a $5.7 million grant in December for the project, which garnered around $40 million in state funding. The treatment plant aims to help both cities now with wastewater capacity and be ready for growth.
In a press release, Archer City Manager Donald Barber said the plant’s $6.58 million Phase 1 connected Archer’s wastewater system to Newberry’s. Archer will use about 15% of Newberry’s total capacity.
Barber, who the City Commission hired as city manager in January, called the new infrastructure “a milestone in Archer’s comeback” for progress and renewal.
He said Phase 1 is significant not only because of its size and technical complexity, but because it reflects the city’s growing capacity to coordinate and deliver projects with discipline, urgency and accountability in stewardship of public dollars.
“This is the kind of result our residents deserve: a major project completed, the budget respected, the deadline met, and a stronger foundation built for Archer’s future,” Barber said. “There is still work ahead, but the direction is clear. Archer is moving forward.”
After executing a contract in June with Woodard & Curran to design, permit and construct the wastewater main, it took 103 days to complete.
The 42,500 feet of PVC force main and 44 valves follow more than eight miles along the west side of US 27/41 from SW 170th Street in Archer to Champions Park in Newberry on SW 30th Avenue. A flow meter at Champions Park serves as the ownership demarcation point between Archer and Newberry.
Barber said in the release that the project was made possible because of groups like the City Commission, staff, Woodard & Curran and the city of Newberry.
He said it contributes to Archer’s commitment to responsible growth, reliable public services, sound financial stewardship, and preserving the character that makes it a special place to live, work and invest.
“Nine months ago, Archer was confronting serious administrative and infrastructure challenges,” Barber said. “Today, we are delivering a multimillion-dollar project on schedule and within the approved budget. That is a visible sign that Archer is turning the corner.”
Archer Deputy City Manager John Martin told Mainstreet that even though the force main in Phase 1 can’t be used until Phases 2 and 3 are complete, funding dictated that it had to be built first.
Up next is Phase 2, which includes building a major lift station for Archer and laying more infrastructure under railroad tracks and state roads. A collection system for Archer will be built in Newberry during Phase 3.