(Fredericksburg, VA) February 25, 2026 – The City of Fredericksburg is pleased to announce the launch of two major utility initiatives: the Lower Hazel Run Sewer Upgrade Project and the development of a comprehensive Water and Sewer Master Plan. Together, these efforts represent forward-facing investments designed to support economic development, accommodate projected population growth through 2050, and safeguard the long-term performance of the City’s water and sewer systems.
The City has partnered with Hazen and Sawyer for the Lower Hazel Run Sewer Upgrade Project, with a kickoff meeting held on February 6, 2026. The project focuses on increasing sewer capacity in the Lower Hazel Run corridor to accommodate future development, particularly in growth areas west of Interstate 95, including the Central Park area. All sewer flows from these areas ultimately pass through the Lower Hazel Run section, making these upgrades critical to maintaining system reliability and capacity.
In addition, the City has partnered with WRA to develop a comprehensive Water and Sewer Master Plan, with a kickoff meeting scheduled for early March 2026. The Master Plan will include detailed water and sewer system modeling tied to projected population and development trends through mid-century. The planning effort will guide future infrastructure investments and ensure the system remains resilient and responsive to community needs.
These initiatives complement several large-scale capital projects already underway. The City’s wastewater treatment plant expansion, with a total budget of approximately $180 million, is currently in the early stages of construction. Demolition work is underway, and major equipment procurement is beginning. The project is slated for completion in late 2029, positioning the facility to meet long-term service demands. The City of Fredericksburg has successfully secured more than $100 million in grant supported monies from both the Northam and Youngkin administrations to support this project.
The Motts Run Water Treatment Plant upgrade — a joint venture between the City and Spotsylvania County — is also ongoing. The $144 million project, with approximately $30 million funded by the City, will increase plant capacity from 12 million gallons per day to 24 million gallons per day. Construction is underway, with substantial completion anticipated in spring 2027.
These efforts are being led by the City’s Utilities and Capital Projects Department, established in 2025 with City Council support. Water and wastewater functions were transitioned from the Public Works Department into this newly created department to strengthen operational oversight and capital project delivery. Existing utility staff were reorganized under the leadership of Assistant City Manager Todd Flippen, P.E., with former Public Works Assistant Director Chris Thomas, P.E., also joining the department.
The Utilities and Capital Projects Department oversees daily utility operations and more than $200 million in capital investments. Collectively, these projects reflect the City Council’s continued commitment to responsible infrastructure planning, economic vitality, and reliable public service for decades to come.
Additional updates will be shared as planning and design work progresses. Please follow our project updates online at fredericksburgva.gov.