City of Batesville Breaks Ground on New Water Treatment Plant

The City of Batesville, in partnership with Olsson Engineering and Construction Manager TOLM Group, broke ground on Batesville’s new water treatment plant. This milestone marks a significant step in modernizing Batesville's water infrastructure, ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for future generations.

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The new plant, designed to replace the aging 1960s-era facility, will meet the needs of Batesville's growing population and provide cost-effective, high-quality water service. The project's development reflects the strong collaboration between the City of Batesville, Olsson Engineering, and TOLM Group, all working to meet both present and future demands.

Community members gathered to celebrate the project's launch, highlighting the City's commitment to infrastructure improvements and growth.

"Critical infrastructure projects like this do not happen without a strong community, strong partnerships, and strong leadership," said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "Thank you to all who are helping us build a better Batesville."

"In 2023, Batesville citizens overwhelmingly supported this key project at the polls," said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, emphasizing the importance of public support. "Water infrastructure is essential to any community's survival. I want to thank our citizens for stepping up time and time again. In 2017, we completed our award-winning wastewater treatment plant. Now, this new facility will continue our progress."

Elumbaugh also acknowledged the City Council's past and present role in supporting this vision.

Damon Johnson, Public Works Engineer for the City of Batesville, expressed gratitude to the community for their dedication, thanking the citizens of Batesville who voted to fund this facility with their sales tax. He also thanked the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce for communicating with and educating the public about these ballot measures, saying, "without their efforts, I'm not sure we would have been as successful as we have been."

"This new 16-million-gallon-a-day system is an investment in our future, securing high-quality water for residents, industries, and future growth across the community," continued Johnson.

President of TOLM Group, Brian Rohlman, underscored the project's significance: "Drinking water is something people take for granted, but it's the most basic necessity of life. We're honored to steward this project because we understand its importance."

Mayor Elumbaugh noted the years of planning that led to this moment: "This project has been over five years in the making. Here in Batesville, we don't kick the can down the road; we face challenges head-on."

Greg Smith, Vice President of the TOLM Group, added: "The collaboration between the TOLM, Olsson, and the City has been remarkable. A great team is assembled to execute this project over the next three years."

The new water treatment plant is part of a long-term effort to strengthen Batesville's infrastructure, supporting future development and ensuring the community's ongoing prosperity.

"I can't wait to see you all here in three years for the ribbon cutting," concluded Johnson.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amy Finster (FARCO), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Roxanne Rananudo (Family Violence Prevention), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), and Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank).