Ardmore-ADEM Project Receives Prestigious Award

by Staff
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ARDMORE-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently honored the Town of Ardmore for its partnership with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and Tennessee officials that led to the financing of the planned overhaul of Ardmore’s sewer system.

EPA’s George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) program presented its Excellence in System Partnership award to the Ardmore Water Works and Sewer Board earlier this spring. The presentation took place at the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities Summit on Water in Washington, D.C.
The Ardmore project was one of seven selected out of all sewer infrastructure projects funded in 2024 through
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

Ardmore is located on Alabama’s northern border, and the Ardmore Water Works and Sewer Board serves
residents in both Alabama and Tennessee.

The $22 million project involved replacing the wastewater treatment plant. The bulk of the funding was
awarded by ADEM from the state’s share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure
Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA). It included $18.679 million for construction and $1.27 million for planning and
development.

ADEM’s Brian Espy, Chief of the General Services Branch, noted that Ardmore was among more than 500
sewer and drinking water projects funded by the Department since 2022.
“ADEM is always looking for opportunities to work with water and sewer systems like Ardmore as they try
to fix and upgrade their facilities,” Espy said. “Over the past three years alone, we have distributed $1.4 billion
in SRF (State Revolving Fund), ARPA and BIL funding to systems across the state. We know these types of
investments will pay off in terms of better water and sewer services for residents, and a healthier environment.
This award is a terrific confirmation that ADEM is making a real difference for Alabama communities.”
For their part, Tennessee officials contributed just over $2.5 million to the project. That included $2.2
million in ARPA grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and
$252,125 from the City of Ardmore, Tennessee.

“Protecting our environment and the public health of our citizens in both Alabama and Tennessee is always
our main objective,” said Ardmore Mayor Billy Shannon, who is chairman of the Ardmore Water Works and
Sewer Board. “Without help and funding from EPA Region 4, ADEM, and the Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation, we would not have been able to fund a project of this magnitude and
accomplish our goals for the betterment of our small community.”

State Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Madison (whose district includes Ardmore) advocated for funding for the project
due to public health concerns. He attended the event in Washington to receive the award on behalf of Ardmore.
“This is more than just infrastructure,” Whitt said. “It’s a generational achievement that will shape the future
of our community. It reflects our commitment to smart growth, sustainability, and making history through
progress. I couldn’t be prouder, and I am grateful for the hard-working team at ADEM.”

 

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