From the Desk of Mayor White | Infrastructure Improvements

Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements

October 2025

Dear Residents,

I had a very exciting and productive meeting this week with our representatives from Oncor (Lane Whitman and Sabrina Easley) along with Steve Reynolds, Richard Griffin, Roddy Boston and Barry Schimpf to coordinate the next phase of Runaway Bay’s Wastewater Restructuring Project. This is part of my long-term effort to modernize our infrastructure, protect Lake Bridgeport, and ensure reliable wastewater service for years to come.

I am also eager to share that after months of outreach and coordination, Runaway Bay has been awarded 2 grants to correct aging components in our wastewater system that have contributed to overflow concerns in the past. A major focus of this work is on our 17 lift stations, the sites where pumps move wastewater through the system when gravity alone can’t do the job.

Many of these lift stations are now operating at or near capacity due to growth and system age. To meet future demand, several will require increased electrical power and upgraded equipment. These are not simple fixes; they involve industrial-level electrical service (three-phase power), which requires careful design, new poles, transformers, and system planning from Oncor. I am grateful for the ongoing partnership with Oncor and for their significant $5 million investment in infrastructure improvements here in Runaway Bay.

Meeting Highlights

The meeting focused on evaluating current and future power needs at each lift station and identifying where upgrades are most critical. Oncor emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data to design the right electrical infrastructure for each site.

Key takeaways include:

• Several lift stations already require power upgrades to maintain dependable service.

• Future planning must account for population growth and wastewater volume increases.

• Oncor will need detailed usage data and mapping information from the City to begin system design.

Moving Forward

This initiative represents more than maintenance. It’s an investment in the reliability and safety of our public infrastructure. By partnering with Oncor, Runaway Bay is building a system capable of meeting both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth.

I appreciate the patience of our residents as this work moves forward. Infrastructure projects like this are not always visible, but they are vital to the health and future of our community.

With Appreciation,

Mayor Herman White

City of Runaway Bay