Athens Council Approves $47M Stormwater Plan; Construction Begins Next Quarter

Athens City Council voted 6-3 on Tuesday night to approve a phased stormwater management program that will replace aging drainage infrastructure across 12 neighborhoods over the next four years. The council green-lit $47 million in spending from a combination of federal grants, municipal bonds, and water utility revenues, with the first construction phase targeting Southside, Eastlake, and parts of downtown beginning in September 2026.

The move comes as the city has recorded four significant flooding events in the past 18 months. In March, heavy rainfall left 340 homes without power for up to 48 hours after water damaged substations near Eastlake Avenue. Council records show the city received 89 flood-related insurance claims in 2025 alone, compared to 23 in 2020. The stormwater system underlying much of Athens dates to 1962 and was designed for weather patterns no longer typical of the region.

What the Plan Includes and When Work Starts

The council approved replacement of 14 miles of underground pipes, installation of two retention ponds in Southside near Morrison Park, and widening of three creek channels that run through residential blocks. Public Works Director Margaret Chen said in Tuesday's session that Phase 1 work on Southside will begin September 15 and continue through February 2027, affecting approximately 2,100 households. Residents on Riverside Drive, Maple Street, and adjacent blocks should expect street closures, reduced water pressure during night hours, and temporary detours for delivery vehicles.

The Eastlake component, which includes the busiest commercial corridor in the city, runs January through June 2027. Local business owners raised concerns about foot traffic disruption during the construction period. Council member James Rodriguez noted that the city will establish a $180,000 support fund for merchants experiencing documented revenue losses exceeding 20 percent, though eligibility requires formal application and documentation reviewed by staff.

Downtown work on the creek widening project is scheduled to begin in April 2027 and extend through October 2027. This section affects Riverside Park, a major public gathering space that will be partially closed during construction. The city says the park will remain 60 percent accessible during the work period, with at least one parking area and pedestrian pathways maintained throughout.

Costs and What Residents Will Pay

The infrastructure program is funded through three mechanisms: $22 million in Federal Infrastructure Fund grants already allocated to Athens, $18 million in municipal bonds (which will require property tax adjustment), and $7 million from water utility revenues over three years. Residential water bills are expected to increase 8 percent starting January 2027 to cover the utility's contribution. The city estimates this will add approximately $9 per month to an average household water bill of $110.

Bond repayment will be spread across 15 years. Council analysis projects a median property tax increase of $2.30 monthly per household by 2028 to service the bonds, though homes in flood-prone areas may see different amounts depending on council allocation formulas under review.

The program moves forward as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has flagged aging stormwater systems in mid-sized cities as a public health priority. Athens' system contributes an estimated 2.4 billion gallons of untreated runoff annually to the Barton River, according to the city's 2025 environmental assessment. The new system is projected to reduce that volume by 65 percent when fully operational in 2030.

Council is expected to vote on detailed construction schedules and neighborhood-specific mitigation measures at its July 24 meeting. Residents can submit comments on the Phase 1 plan through July 18 via the city website or at the Public Works office on East Main Street.