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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Jan. 26, 2024:
Bingham resigns as Richmond utilities director
Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares
April Bingham voluntarily stepped down from her role leading Richmond's Department of Public Utilities Wednesday morning, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula confirmed. He said the separation was amicable.
“It came on the heels of a pretty intense week, as we have all been responding to this crisis, thinking about what is the path forward, what does the water plant need,” Avula told VPM News.
Bingham led the department responsible for Richmond's drinking water, which for about six days was not able to deliver potable water to residents. She was appointed in 2020 by former Mayor Levar Stoney.
Anthony “Scott” Morris, current director of water at the Virginia Department of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and a Professional Engineer, will take over the role in an interim capacity, the city announced Wednesday morning. There does not appear to be a clear timeline for hiring a new permanent public utilities director.
Bingham’s resignation comes after the city sent a press release Tuesday night saying that one of the four pumps that takes "finished water" from the treatment plant to the water distribution network failed sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Officials said that despite the failure, the water system was still producing 68 million gallons of water per day and the reservoir's water level remained at its normal operating height.
Three Lakes Park renovation underway in Henrico County
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
Henrico County’s Three Lakes Park is set to undergo a transformation with work underway to turn the space into a multipurpose recreation destination.
The $4.6 million project includes $2.3 million from Henrico’s 2016 bond referendum, and additional funds from the county’s Division of Recreation & Parks for trail and nature center enhancements.
“Although Three Lakes is well loved by many, it is time for some much needed improvements, improvements to trails,” said John Zannino, recreation and parks director, said at a groundbreaking Tuesday. “And maybe a new toilet or two.”
The project also will bring new features to the nature center’s main atrium, including exhibits of Virginia’s native wildlife, an interactive sandbox and educational programing designed by the county’s manager of zoology, Jim Weinpress.
In other news:
- Top Virginia federal prosecutor to depart as Trump takes office (The Washington Post)*
- Va. Senate Republicans to seek right-to-work constitutional amendment (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Israel, Hamas reportedly agree to Gaza ceasefire, release of 33 hostages (The Associated Press)
In case you missed it:
- Virginia House passes resolutions protecting abortion, voting rights, marriage equality (The Associated Press)
- Chesterfield's first school zone speeding camera is now live (Axios Richmond)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.