Guyton City Council members have approved two contracts that will pave the way for the city’s own wastewater treatment plant.

Council members agreed to a bid of $2.38 million from BRW Construction Group and a bid of nearly $638,000 from Douglas Electric and Plumbing for the sprayfield.

“I am happy to see have a wastewater treatment plant on the way,” said council member Steve Collins.

Guyton, which has been using capacity at Springfield’s treatment plant, is seeking to build its own 250,000 gallon-per-day sewage plant off Riverside Drive.

The total price of the contracts for the wastewater treatment plant is $4.16 million, which includes expenses for watershed assessment, permit fees and easement acquisition.

Collins also asked that the city’s bid include retaining the rights to any timber cut and sold on the property.

“There is a significant timber value on this site,” he said.

Mayor Jeff Lariscy said the city has two options in paying for the wastewater treatment plant, either paying all the debit off or refinancing.

“Each option saves the city a great deal of money,” he said.

Lariscy said he would like the city council choose which route to follow “sooner rather than later.”

The state Environmental Protection Division permit for Guyton’s wastewater treatment plant expires in August, and city officials hope to start construction this summer.

City officials also have said that building their own treatment plant is less expensive than tying into Effingham County’s system.