Federal Funds Coming to Upgrade South Columbus Water Facility

The $3.12 million project will improve wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The South Columbus Water Resources Facility, which treats wastewater for Columbus and Fort Benning, will receive $3.12 million in federal funding to upgrade its infrastructure. The funding is a result of the Georgia Stormwater Management Act introduced by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and passed into law in 2025, which created new authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct water infrastructure projects in the Columbus area.

Why it matters

Upgrading the aging water treatment facility will help ensure safe and effective wastewater management for the growing Columbus region, supporting both residential and commercial development. The federal funding demonstrates a commitment to improving critical infrastructure across Georgia.

The details

The South Columbus Water Resources Facility treats wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries in Columbus and the nearby Fort Benning military base. The $3.12 million in federal funds will be used to upgrade the facility's aging infrastructure and improve its overall operations.

  • The Georgia Stormwater Management Act was introduced by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and passed into law in 2025.
  • The federal funding for the South Columbus Water Resources Facility upgrade project was announced on February 25, 2026.

The players

Jon Ossoff

U.S. Senator who introduced the Georgia Stormwater Management Act, which enabled the federal funding for the South Columbus water infrastructure project.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that will oversee the water infrastructure upgrade project in Columbus as a result of the new authority granted by the Georgia Stormwater Management Act.

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What they’re saying

“Every town in Georgia deserves safe, effective water infrastructure. That's why I bought Republicans and Democrats together to upgrade water infrastructure in Columbus.”

— Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator (WTVM)

What’s next

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin the planning and construction process for the $3.12 million upgrade project at the South Columbus Water Resources Facility in the coming months.

The takeaway

This federal investment in Columbus' water infrastructure demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to improving critical public services and supporting sustainable growth in communities across Georgia.