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Leaders from Clinton, Raymond, and Bolton gathered on Monday to celebrate a major milestone in the future of wastewater management for western Hinds County. The Clinton-Raymond-Bolton Wastewater Authority (CRBWA) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first project: the installation of a major force main sewer line that will span approximately 5.5 miles along I-20, west of Farr Road to the Bolton-Brownsville Road interchange.

The $14.6 million project was awarded to Hemphill Construction Company of Florence, Mississippi. Construction is expected to begin within days, with completion scheduled before September 30, 2026. Funding for the project is provided through the State’s Municipal and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program, with matching support from the Mississippi Legislature.

“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a vital investment in the future of our communities,” said Mark Bailey, President of the Clinton-Raymond-Bolton Wastewater Authority. “This project is the first step toward building a 40-mile force main pipeline that will ultimately allow Clinton, Raymond, Bolton, and future facilities in western Hinds County to send treated wastewater directly to the Big Black River, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and supporting future growth.”

The CRBWA was established to solve a critical challenge. Nearly 15 years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised the City of Clinton that its current receiving streams for treated wastewater were impaired and nearing maximum capacity. Without significant improvements, Clinton — along with Raymond and Bolton — would face strict limits on future development.

By working together and with strong support from the Mississippi Legislature, the cities of Clinton, Raymond, and Bolton, along with the South Central Water Association, formally organized the CRBWA in July 2023. This cooperative approach ensures all three municipalities can comply with environmental mandates and continue to grow responsibly.

Mayor-Elect Will Purdie praised the partnership between the three cities and the South Central Water Association, calling the groundbreaking “transformational.”

“This project has the potential to be transformational for Western Hinds County,” Purdie said. “Not only does it address urgent environmental needs, but it also unlocks future growth opportunities for our residents and businesses. It will allow for the type of development that will have a huge impact on cities as well as the budgets of those cities, school districts, and communities within that Western Hinds footprint.”

This project is only the beginning. Once completed, the entire 40-mile system will position western Hinds County for decades of responsible growth, stronger environmental protections, and new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

“This is the first step in solving a challenge that’s been building for a long time,” Purdie said. “We’re excited to finally be moving dirt and making real progress.”