PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan made two stops in the Tri-cities Wednesday to deliver federal funding for water infrastructure projects in Petersburg and Colonial Heights.
McClellan presented Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham and City Manager March Altman a check for $1,092,000 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The money will go toward replacing and modernizing deteriorating water pipes in the city’s Poor Creek area.
“The water pipes that carry the water, whether it’s wastewater, whether it is drinking water, they’re old and need to be replaced, some over a hundred years old,” McClellan said.
Parham said every time a water line breaks, the city has to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to dig it up and repair it.
Last week, a water main break on Sycamore Street impacted hospital operations.
“It allows us to keep investing in the infrastructure to keep the hospital functioning, along with the several industries that are in the southern end of the city that rely so heavily on water and sewer capacities,” Parham said.
McClellan’s next stop was Colonial Heights, where she presented another check for $1,092,000.
The money will go toward fixing the city’s aging water system, primarily under Floral Avenue and Tussing Lane.
“I’m very excited that this will help with Colonial Heights’ water distribution infrastructure which directly impacts residents and the businesses here,” McClellan said.
Andrew Barnes, Colonial Heights public works director, said the federal funding is critical.
“It’s great to have the congresswoman being able take these steps and help us out with this type of funding, especially on the federal level, is critical to meeting our utility needs,” Barnes said.
The money is for fiscal year 2026.
McClellan said she is already working to get more money for the Tri-Cities community for next fiscal year.