City Opens Bids for $100M Water Treatment Plant Upgrades with Judy Construction Winning Bid

The Ashland City Commissioners recessed meeting on July 24, 2025, highlighted a significant milestone in local water management, with the announcement of a major upgrade to the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The meeting kicked off with the commendation of the water treatment plant for receiving the prestigious Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) award for the second consecutive year, recognizing its superior water quality and stringent compliance with microbial goals.

City officials detailed the long and meticulous journey toward the facility upgrade, which began with an agreement in 2019. The recent bid opening on July 17 revealed Judy Construction as the apparent low bidder, with a proposal just under $100 million. This upgrade is crucial for meeting compliance with the city’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) consent judgment, a legal requirement aimed at improving water quality and environmental standards.

The project aims to enhance the plant's capacity to manage wet weather storage and upgrade essential components, including new clarifiers and aeration basins. With a projected completion date in spring 2029, officials emphasized the importance of this upgrade in ensuring the city can effectively handle increased water flow and maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

Next steps include securing a $44 million loan from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) before the city can officially award the contract to Judy Construction. City representatives expressed optimism about receiving KIA's authorization soon, which would allow the project to commence later this year.

This upgrade not only represents a significant investment in Ashland's infrastructure but also underscores the city’s commitment to providing clean and safe water for its residents. As the project progresses, city officials will continue to keep the community informed about developments and timelines.