EMATS Inc. is installing more than two miles of 20-inch ductile iron pipeline that will connect the water systems of the City of Wytheville, Va., and Wythe County. The Cedar Bluff, Va.-based energy management company is performing work along Chapman Road - the frontage road between Exits 74 and 77 along Interstate 81. Company officials expect the project to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.

EMATS also recently extended water service in the Wytheville area by installing 6,300 feet of pipeline beginning at Danner Road in Fort Chiswell, Va., and extending southward to Fort Chiswell High School.

The waterline projects represent a $1.6 million investment and were funded by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

“We are privileged to play a role in improving water service for residents and businesses in the Wytheville-Fort Chiswell area,” said Jon Bowerbank, founder, president and CEO of EMATS. “These are developments that will be of tremendous benefit to that region for many years to come.”

Wally Kidner is EMATS’ engineering technician on both projects.

“The installation of water service is a necessity for the growing community, and we take pride in our role to help in the expansion of the area,” Kidner said. “We look forward to the successful completion of this project.”