Richmond, linked counties chart path towards water system resilience
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and the three counties connected to its water system have formed two "work groups" focused on how to ensure said water system remains sustainable and resilient going forward.
A decision has been made on how to get started on water-related regional cooperation between Richmond and the Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties.
"These efforts reflect Richmond’s commitment to deep and thoughtful analysis and regional partnership to ensure long-term, reliable water infrastructure for the decades ahead," the city said in a press release on Thursday, July 17.
How did we get here?
Richmond saw three water-related emergency events in just six months, including the widespread water crisis in January. As Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover are directly connected to the city's water system, they have been impacted -- to varying degrees -- by each of these events.
However, investigations into the water crisis revealed that a major contributing factor was poor communication from the city, which reportedly left county leaders in the dark.
In recent weeks, there has been discussion between the city and these localities on how they can best collaborate going forward.
Initially, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula suggested a regional advisory group, which he believed could “explore a path forward to ensure a strong and sustainable water infrastructure for all.” A somewhat contentious meeting between Henrico and Richmond leaders in late June on this topic left the path forward a bit unclear.
Then, on Thursday, Richmond announced that two "work groups" were being formed -- one of which a city spokesperson told 8News was Avula's suggested regional advisory group.
1. Regional collaboration group: Focused on a joint future
That group will consist of the directors of each locality's Department of Public Utilities (DPU). This includes Scott Morris of Richmond, George Hayes of Chesterfield, Bentley Chan of Henrico and Matt Longshore of Hanover.
"The group will review proposed capital improvement plans, evaluate rate models, coordinate on potential state funding requests and conduct joint tabletop exercises," the city said. "It will also establish a consistent structure for Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities to provide routine updates to regional partners."
Other technical experts may be "tapped to bring relevant expertise and assistance" to the group as needed, per the spokesperson.
"The structure isn’t meant to be restrictive, rather it’s more about bringing the right people to the table to ensure the right conversations are moving forward," she said.
2. City-centered group, focused on scenario planning and long-term costs
The second work group is an internal team led by two Richmond officials: newly-appointed chief administrative officer Odie Donald, II and Morris. This team will focus on scenario planning.
"This group will evaluate a range of long-term options, including capital investment needs, debt management strategies and ratepayer impacts," the city said.
External consultants in the areas of finance and rates -- such as Davenport Financial Advisors and Raftelis -- will be "brought in as needed," per the city.
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8News asked the spokesperson how decision-making bodies like Richmond City Council and each county's Boards of Supervisors will be connected to these work groups.
"We are excited about the starting point of these work groups, and envision that recommendations and areas for discussion would filter up to the respective decision-making bodies when that is warranted," she said.
Both groups have already met prior to this announcement to "get further direction and refine ongoing meeting cadence," the city said.
The spirit of regional collaboration was also on display Thursday in another way, according to the city.
“These two work groups mark a critical step forward in building a stronger, more resilient water system for the region,” Avula said in the press release. “Just today, we saw that spirit of collaboration in action as Richmond provided additional water to our neighboring locality [Henrico] during their planned maintenance. That’s what partnership looks like: clear communication, shared problem-solving and mutual support. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
MORE: Richmond steps up to support Henrico during water plant maintenance
For all of 8News' coverage on the water crisis, click here.
