2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 373
Commending Chesterfield County.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2025
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2025
WHEREAS, in 2024, Chesterfield County was reaffirmed a AAA bond rating for its water and sewer revenue bonds from Fitch Ratings, demonstrating its robust water and sewer infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Chesterfield County Utilities Department has been recognized as a AAA rated utility since 2002, one of only nine combined water and sewer public utilities to hold this designation in the country; it is the highest rating achievable and recognizes the department for its leadership, financial achievements, affordable rates, and historically solid financial position; and
WHEREAS, the Chesterfield County Utilities Department provides water service to more than 123,000 customers and wastewater service to approximately 105,000 customers; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County, a member of the Appomattox River Water Authority, purchases and distributes water from the Appomattox River Water Authority and the City of Richmond, in addition to water from its own treatment plant on the Swift Creek Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County, a member of the South Central Wastewater Authority, maintains two wastewater treatment plants at Falling Creek and Proctor's Creek and purchases treatment services from the South Central Wastewater Authority; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County has maintained reasonable operating costs for its water and wastewater systems while addressing critical investment needs; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County's purposeful investment and vigilant maintenance of its water infrastructure has resulted in the cultivation of multiple water sources and the development of numerous system redundancies, allowing the Chesterfield County Utilities Department to respond to natural disasters and other crisis situations efficiently and effectively; and
WHEREAS, after a severe weather event in January 2025 that resulted in limited water service and boil water advisories in several localities, Chesterfield County was able to seamlessly transition to alternative water sources and maintain a normal supply level of safe drinking water; and
WHEREAS, thanks to its resilient infrastructure, Chesterfield County was also able to provide assistance to individuals affected by the water crisis in the City of Richmond, allowing providers of essential services, including Chippenham Hospital, to maintain operations; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County's long-term rate models and capital plans help with rate stabilization, resulting in the lowest user fees in the region; and
WHEREAS, Chesterfield County's plans for a fourth water source are in final state and federal approval processes, and the additional water quality security and capacity will further help sustain customer demands and support economic development projects; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Chesterfield County on receiving an AAA bond rating for its water and sewer revenue bonds; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chesterfield County as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its commitment to maintaining strong infrastructure.