WEST COVINA, Calif., Oct. 4, 2001 — Southwest Water Co. today announced that its subsidiary, Operations Technologies Inc. (OpTech), has received a four-year, $22.9 million renewal of its water, wastewater and public works operations contracts for the city of Gulfport, Miss.
The renewed contracts, awarded by unanimous city council vote, increase in scope with additional responsibilities in maintenance and repair of public works infrastructure as well as meter installation services. OpTech has been serving Gulfport's water and sewer, streets and drainage, and billing and customer service departments since 1999.
OpTech joined the Southwest Water group of companies at the end of August 2001. With headquarters in Atlanta, OpTech has broadened Southwest Water Co.'s market presence in the southern United States with water, wastewater and public works contracts in Mississippi and Georgia.
Anton C. Garnier, Southwest Water president and chief executive officer, said: "We are extremely pleased with the Gulfport contract renewal. We believe that the excellent service provided by the OpTech team led to this renewal and the opportunity to serve the citizens of Gulfport in the years to come."
Southwest Water Co. provides a broad range of services, including water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, public works services and utility submetering for multifamily properties. The company owns regulated public utilities and also serves cities, utility districts and private companies under contract. More than 1.5 million people in 29 states from coast to coast depend on Southwest Water for high-quality, reliable service.
