Jackson, Miss., awards Jacobs nine-year contract to operate, upgrade wastewater system
(UI) — Jacobs has been awarded a nine-year contract by JXN Water to operate and maintain the City of Jackson’s wastewater system, expanding the company’s role in modernizing critical underground infrastructure.
Under the agreement, Jacobs will manage three wastewater treatment plants and 99 pump stations, building on its existing water services contract with the city. The deal comes as Jackson continues its multiyear effort to stabilize and upgrade both drinking water and wastewater systems following years of infrastructure strain and underinvestment.
“The agreement reflects our dedication to stabilizing and upgrading Jackson's water infrastructure, which has faced persistent challenges from aging systems, limited investment and regulatory compliance issues,” said Greg Fischer, Jacobs executive vice president. “With personnel already embedded in Jackson's water operations, we're positioned to deliver cost-effective solutions and engineering capability to drive long-term infrastructure improvements. Jacobs remains committed to the people of Jackson – investing in community initiatives, local talent, environmental stewardship and Jackson's future.”
Jacobs’ near-term focus includes completing a comprehensive condition assessment and implementing a strategic improvement plan aimed at restoring system reliability and preventing bypasses. The company also plans to support workforce development through staff training and certification programs to help address the shortage of qualified operators.
“In the throes of the water crisis, only Jacobs was willing to answer our calls for assistance,” said Ted Henifin, JXN Water interim third-party manager. “Since that time in December 2022, they have proven to be outstanding partners, delivering on their commitments and totally bought in to our shared mission of ensuring all Jacksonians have access to safe drinking water, all the time. Once again, Jacobs has stepped up and promised operational savings as they begin to operate our wastewater facilities. We look forward to expanding their mission, applying that same commitment to the people of Jackson with a focus on protecting public health and the environment with their wastewater expertise.”
The contract marks another major step in Jackson’s long-term plan to improve its buried infrastructure and regulatory compliance following a series of system failures and federal oversight actions.
Jacobs’ work with JXN Water was recently recognized with a nomination for Public Water Agency of the Year at the 2025 Global Water Awards. The company also operates water and wastewater utilities across the South Central and Southeastern U.S., including in Texas, Georgia, and Florida.
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