Richmond Mayor addresses communication concerns in Henrico investigation, discusses future of the plant

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — For the first time, following the release of the Henrico third-party investigation, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula is addressing communication concerns and discussing the future of the water treatment facility.

Tuesday, Henrico leaders reviewed the findings of a third party investigation into actions taken by the county following the January water crisis in Richmond.

The report detailed several instances of delayed communication the morning and afternoon of Jan. 6 and the days to follow. 8News spoke with Richmond Mayor, Danny Avula about these concerns.

"I'd have to read the report," said Avula. "I mean, what I understand from what happened early that morning was that there, and I don't know exactly what time but that the regional partners were brought into the conversation about midmorning. So that doesn't quite jibe with what I've heard. But again, I haven't read the report."

Following Tuesday's Henrico board meeting to discuss the findings, County Manager John Vithoulkas spoke to Mayor Avula about how to improve operations. This includes the possibility of a regional partnership.

“How ever we move forward should be a regional conversation and ideally would take regional investment to shore up an aging system that supports all of our needs," said Avula.

For decades, Richmond has sold water to Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico. The city tells 8News combined, the three localities have paid roughly $11 million a year for water.

8News asked Mayor Avula if the city currently has the funds to make needed infrastructure repairs.

“I feel really good about the current state of the plant. And I also acknowledge the reality that we need that to make ongoing investments to be able to keep the production we have," said Avula.

Hanover, Henrico and Richmond leaders tell 8News they have started conversations about the possibility of a regional partnership. 8News reached out to Chesterfield about this possible agreement and did not hear back before the publication of this article.

Such partnership could increase the investment and oversight of the water treatment plant in Richmond.