John Soules Sr., founder and chairman of John Soules Foods, and Dr. Shirley McKellar, councilmember for District 3 celebrate the completion of the waterline extension project in Tyler. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The City of Tyler and John Soules Foods on Tuesday celebrated an engineering achievement, paving the way for growth on the city’s outskirts with the completion of a waterline extension project.

“A 16-inch water line is fairly uncommon, and in this part of town, there wasn’t a whole lot of that type of infrastructure available, because it’s outside of the city limits in an area that wasn’t developed,” project engineer Bob Breedlove said.

This new line provides direct water service to the plant, making John Soules Foods one of Tyler Water Utilities’ largest industrial customers. It will also serve the 281-acre Tyler Economic Development Council Business Park and nearby residential and commercial properties.

“Not only is this helping John Soules Food,” Mayor Don Warren said, “it’s going to help people along the way to John Soules Food with the water line that’s been laid for future people to connect to.”

This project plays a key role in supporting industry growth through infrastructure development.

The city council approved an engineering contract for the project in 2022, following John Soules Foods’ formal request for water service in October 2021. Construction began in January 2024 and wrapped up by August of the same year.

The $3.57 million project, led by A.E. Shull & Company, included the installation of 14,700 linear feet of a 16-inch water line extending from North Broadway Avenue and Loop 323 to the John Soules Foods plant at 10150 FM 14.

With an average monthly water demand of 12 to 15 million gallons, the plant is expected to significantly contribute to TWU’s revenue, generating returns on investment in five to seven years. Since the plant is located outside the city limits, its water service will be billed at 1.5 times the standard rate, consistent with TWU’s rate structure for customers in these areas.

The city says the project highlights Tyler Water Utilities’ commitment to strategic, long-term investments in the community. Funded through TWU’s capital funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the $3.57 million project received a portion of the $20 million allocated by ARPA.

“Tyler and East Texas are poised for great things,” said John Soules Sr., John Soules Foods founder and chairman of the board. “That water, I think, will wind up being spread all over the North Tyler area, and allow that entire area to grow and fill up with people and homes.”