Rock-Moore Water Authority breaks ground on $2.5 million plant renovation

All images via Rock-Moore Water Authority

Rock-Moore Public Water Authority officially launched a $2.5 million renovation of its water treatment plant and high-pressure line system Wednesday, marking what officials called a historic milestone for the utility.

In addition to the water treatment plant renovations, the project includes new high-service pumps and improvements to pumping infrastructure to enhance the authority’s ability to deliver water throughout its service area.

The project, which had been in the planning for years, drew a crowd of state and federal officials to mark its start, including U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, state Rep. Shad Pearce, Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery, and representatives from USDA Rural Development.

Rock-Moore Public Water Authority Manager Justin Richardson said the investment represents more than new construction.

“It’s about providing safe and reliable water for years to come,” Richardson said in a statement.

Richardson said the project reflects years of planning, persistence, and teamwork, and he thanked the authority’s Board of Directors for their leadership, including President Matt Carter, Vice President Spencer Hopper, Secretary/Treasurer Randy Nash, and board members Tammy Pearce, Wes Scribner, David Smith, and Bill Bobrosky.

He also credited the utility’s staff, including Assistant Manager Jared Richardson, Office Manager Chris Cothern, Monica Goings, Bobby Smart, Wade Brooks, and Josh Keener.

“This milestone reflects their hard work and dedication,” Richardson said.

Richardson said Wednesday’s event was only the beginning of the project, and the authority looks forward to seeing the work take shape in the months ahead.

“The future is bright,” he said.