Seadrift is entering a new phase where several long-awaited projects are beginning.

The new wastewater treatment plant is going out for bids and this new wastewater treatment plant will replace and expand the existing wastewater treatment plant that was built in the early 1960’s. This project was envisioned in 2015 and 2016 because the old plant was having trouble meeting capacity and codes. The new wastewater treatment plant should be beginning operation in the fall of 2024.

The largest project is the new seawall which will replace the old seawall entirely and expand it some. The contractor is currently setting up with construction to start no later than the end of May. Completion is estimated to be by the summer of 2024.

Another big project is the Harbor Economic Development Project. Bidding for the Harbor Project should be authorized in June or July. This project contains things such as bulkheading of unbulkheaded areas, adding an additional breakwater on the west side, dredging of the harbor, and dredging of the channel from the harbor out to the Navigation District’s channel. If this project stays on estimated schedule this could be completed by summer 2024.

Other projects nearing engineering completion within the next six months are the city’s MIT Drainage Project which will affect many areas of the city and the start date could be sometime middle to late 2024. An additional water tank to replace an old leaking water tank is another project.

There are additional projects that are being contemplated with grants. -Tanya DeForest