(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 21, 2021) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved water and sewer improvements that will serve 13,000 acres in eastern Gwinnett County, including the future Rowen knowledge community.

The Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project includes 5 miles of new and upsized water mains, 6 miles of new gravity sewer along the Apalachee River, 7 miles of parallel wastewater force mains along Harbins Road and Brooks Road, a new 14 million-gallon-per-day regional sewer pump station on Harbins Road, and 5 miles of new trails.

Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said the undertaking will set the County on the right path for future growth.

“The project provides sewer service to currently unserved areas in the county, and the water mains will accommodate future commercial and industrial development,” said Hendrickson. “Gwinnett is expected to add another 500,000 people in the next 20 years, and this project will allow us to plan and grow in a smart and balanced way.”

District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III said the project includes an environmental component as well.

“We will be building five miles of new trails along the beautiful Apalachee River on the border with Barrow County with trail heads at Harbins Road and Winder Highway,” said Watkins. “The project will use sustainable construction practices that promote environmental stewardship and innovation.”

Rowen will be a 2,000-acre knowledge community with offices, research facilities, public parks and residences along State Route 316 between Atlanta, Athens and Gainesville. The project will serve as an international destination for research in the fields of agriculture, the environment, and medicine. It is expected to create about 18,500 jobs and $1.65 billion in income to the county by 2035. Designers plan to highlight the natural beauty of the area in the development of the community.

The Board of Commissioners awarded the $125 million contract to John D. Stephens, Inc., one of two design-build teams to submit proposals. The project will be funded by the departments of Water Resources and Community Services, including revenue from the 2017 SPLOST.

Construction will start in late 2021 and should be complete in early 2024.