RIBBON CUTTING — The Ocoee Utilities District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon in celebration of the company’s new facility at 5631 Waterlevel Highway. OUD provides water services to 6,600 customers between Polk and Bradley counties. Officials with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, Bradley County Mayor’s Office, Bradley County Commission and First Volunteer Bank attended the festivities.
Ocoee Utilities District, located at 5631 Waterlevel Highway, provides water services for 6,600 customers between Polk and Bradley counties. The company has also recently begun providing customers with wastewater services.
“Our old facility had many structural issues. It wasn’t as convenient for our customers and we needed additional space,” said Tim Lawson, Ocoee Utilities District general manager.
The facility houses the administrative and clerical operations of the OUD.
Customers won’t have to worry about being rerouted to the new facility, it’s located in the exact same spot as the prior building.
“We basically raised the site work on the old building and built a new one right on top of it,” said Lawson.
Ocoee Utilities District was established in Ocoee in 1964, when the need for water service in rural areas was essential. The company started with 500 customers. The OUD service area now encompasses 181 square miles of Bradley and Polk counties.
Lawson said with the new industries moving into the area — Wacker Chemie and Amazon.com, and expanding Whirlpool facilities — he anticipates the customer base will continue to grow.
“We are blessed as a community to have these industries moving into our area. I’m sure it will greatly benefit the residents of Bradley and Polk counties. Hopefully, it will help our customer base increase, too,” said Lawson.
Individuals with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, Bradley County Commission, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, Bradley County Mayor’s Office, First Volunteer Bank, Ocoee Utilities District and SKH Construction attended the ribbon cutting.
