Ashland Breaks Ground on $100M Wastewater Treatment Plant

The state-of-the-art facility will upgrade the city's wastewater infrastructure to meet federal standards.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The City of Ashland, Kentucky has officially begun work on a more than $100 million wastewater treatment plant project. State and federal lawmakers joined city leaders to mark the groundbreaking of the new state-of-the-art facility, which will include upgrades to comply with federal code and provide safe, reliable wastewater services for thousands of customers.

Why it matters

The project is the largest infrastructure undertaking in Ashland's history and has been long overdue, according to the mayor. Upgrading the city's wastewater treatment capabilities is crucial for supporting future economic development and growth in the community.

The details

The new wastewater treatment plant will feature a range of improvements to bring the facility up to federal standards. City leaders say the project is expected to be completed by 2029.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Chuck Charles

The mayor of Ashland, Kentucky.

Hal Rogers

A U.S. Congressman who helped secure $4 million in funding for the project through a community project funding earmark.

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What they’re saying

“This is something that everyone has been waiting for, including our commission, our community. That's one of those behind-the-scenes projects. You know, most people will never see, but it's something that's needed so much; especially for our future.”

— Chuck Charles, Mayor (wowktv.com)

“Economic development happens when you've got a ready-made community. And a ready-made community means adequate treatment of sewage.”

— Hal Rogers, U.S. Congressman (wowktv.com)

What’s next

City leaders say the project is expected to be complete by 2029.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure investment in Ashland's wastewater treatment capabilities is crucial for supporting the city's future growth and economic development, demonstrating the importance of proactive upgrades to public utilities.