Press Release: Valve Turning Ceremony

The City of Radford and Pulaski County celebrated the culmination of many years of discussion and planning with a “valve turning” ceremony on July 24^th at the Radford Water Treatment Plant.    The event was related to an agreement that resulted in the funding, design, and construction of a waterline from Radford to Pulaski County.  This line will serve the Northern part of Pulaski County, as well as the Regional Commerce Park.  

In attendance at the ceremony were various members from both localities including Mayor Bruce Brown, Radford City Council, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, Joe Sheffey, Area Director for Rural Development, Travis Jackson, Technical Program Manager for Draper Aden, Gary McCollum, Chairman of the Pulaski County Public Service Authority, Doug Warren, and Delegate Joseph Yost.  Throughout the ceremony the speakers highlighted the importance of “regionalism” and how the City of Radford and Pulaski County have been working together for many years and hope to continue to collaborate on various efforts in the future.  Mayor Bruce Brown said, “Trust, relationships, and courage all come together to encourage collaboration among the two communities and this is not done by accident.  Elected officials as well as City and County officials foster a sense of regionalism within their localities, allowing for projects like the Water Sharing Agreement to take place.”   Board Chair, Joe Sheffey remarked, “We are delighted that the City of Radford is willing to work together in providing water to the Commerce Park and an area of the County that I represent.” 

The agreement between the City of Radford and the Pulaski County Public Service Authority will provide up to 3 million gallons per day of potable water service via a twenty-four inch line across the New River.  Project funding for the seven million dollar project was provided through a grant and loan from Rural Development.

The expanded water service will promote business growth and the development of the regional industrial park in Dublin, in which both jurisdictions participate with eleven other localities.  The water system will go into service next week.