'This is a huge first step:' Ascension Parish officials mark milestone for sewer infrastructure

Ascension Parish government has finalized the sale of its sewer system assets to National Water Infrastructure.

According to a parish government news release, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment signed the transfer April 18, which marked a milestone in resolving sewer infrastructure issues.

NWI has acquired the parish's sewer system for $9.2 million after entering into a franchise agreement in 2021 under a cooperative endeavor agreement.

"Ensuring clean water has been a top priority for this administration," Cointment said in the release. "Today's milestone brings us closer to achieving cleaner waterways, healthier ditches, and improved canals. It underscores our longstanding commitment to this vital goal. This is a huge first step."

Parish voters approved of the sale to NWI in April 2021.

Per the agreement, NWI will construct and operate a new regional sewer treatment facility to consolidate more than 75 collection systems and permanently remove 70 permitted treatment plants from area waterways.

According to the release, the first phase of the project will remove more than 3.5 million gallons per day of sewer discharge from area ditches and waterways after completion.

NWI will invest more than $185 million to build, operate and maintain the infrastructure, officials have said.

"NWI is proud to finalize this purchase and start delivering on our investment in building a modern consolidated sewer system for Ascension Parish, ultimately improving the local waterways and offering enhanced system operations for decades to come," NWI CEO Tom Pertuit said in the release. "As a Bernhard Capital Partners portfolio company, we have assembled a world-class team to implement this project, and we are committed to excellent customer service and keeping the community apprised of our progress. This represents a solution to a longstanding problem and an investment in the long-term sustainability and growth of our community."

The release also added that ten existing schools in the Ascension Parish public schools district will have access to the system, with five being connected after completion of the project.

According to the release, the parish expects more than $4.1 million in annual savings with long-term projections of $73.2 million over the next three decades.