NEWBERRY – City officials, community leaders and project partners gathered June 19 to break ground on a major expansion of Newberry’s wastewater treatment facility, a project expected to increase capacity and support continued residential and commercial growth throughout the region.
The nearly $80 million project will add approximately 1.2 million gallons of wastewater treatment capacity and is expected to take between 30 and 36 months to complete.
The expansion has been under development for several years and represents one of the largest infrastructure investments undertaken by the city in recent years.
City officials said the upgraded facility is being designed with future growth in mind. The system will utilize a modular design that can be expanded as needed, allowing additional treatment capacity to be added without requiring significant redesign or engineering modifications.
The wastewater treatment plant is located along County Road 337 south of Newberry Road, just east of the roadway near Southwest 30th Avenue.
In a social media announcement marking the groundbreaking, Newberry Mayor Tim Marden described the project as more than a utility expansion.
“This represents more than construction, it represents opportunity,” Marden wrote.
According to city officials, the project is being funded through impact fees and permit fees paid by new residential and commercial development rather than through existing residents’ utility bills or property taxes.
The expansion is intended to accommodate Newberry’s continuing population growth while maintaining the infrastructure needed to support new homes, businesses and economic development.
The project also reflects a regional partnership between Newberry and the City of Archer. Officials from both municipalities participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Marden highlighted Archer’s involvement in the project and thanked city leaders for their cooperation.
“Thanks to the City of Archer for partnering with us on this regional solution to safeguard our environment with advanced treatment,” he said.
During the ceremony, Marden and Archer Mayor Fletcher Hope jointly held a ceremonial shovel, symbolizing the partnership between the neighboring municipalities. They were joined by elected officials and representatives of businesses involved in the project.
Wastewater treatment capacity has become an increasingly important issue for rapidly growing communities throughout Alachua County. Expanding treatment infrastructure is often considered a prerequisite for new residential and commercial development, as utilities must demonstrate adequate capacity before growth can occur.
Once completed, the additional treatment capacity is expected to provide Newberry with greater flexibility to accommodate future development while supporting environmental protection goals through advanced wastewater treatment processes.
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