CCA signs 20-year water deal

By Brian Reynolds (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008

NATCHEZ — The Adams County Water Association signed a deal for 2,500 new customers Tuesday — all who happen to be incarcerated.

Representatives from Corrections Corporation of America and the Adams County Water Association came together Tuesday to sign a 20-year agreement to handle the new prison’s water needs.

“Obviously we had to get the agreements with the water so we can move forward with all the construction processes,” said Buddy Johns, senior director of project development for CCA. “I think it’s a good deal with both parties.”

The prison, located on U.S. 84, will hold approximately 2,500 people, and is expected to use around 6 million gallons of water a month.

Adams County Water Association had to put in significant capital to fit this need, Johns said.

“The infrastructure they put in to accommodate our needs is going to help the entire system,” he said. “It’s definitely a win-win.”

Ken Herring, general manager of Adams County Water Association agreed that the relationship will be mutually beneficial.

“The association is delighted to have an industry of this magnitude locate in our certificated area,” Herring said. “This one connection is probably going to be equal to 750 homes, as far a water rates go.”

Adams County Water Association has also seen residential growth as a result of CCA and has been expanding constantly over the past year and half, Herring said.

“CCA will benefit our customers from the additional income it will give to Adams County Water,” Herring said. “This will help our customers maintain some of the lowest water rates in the state.”

CCA is expecting to complete construction by the end of the year and to open by the second quarter of 2009, Johns said.