The city's $42.8 million water bond issue won the endorsement of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce on Friday.
The bond issue, which appears on the Aug. 7 primary ballot as Proposition 1, would pay for upgrades at the McBaine water treatment plant, eight new well platforms in the McBaine bottoms, improvements to the West Ash Street pumping station and significant water distribution and storage projects in southwest and southeast Columbia.
If voters approve the measure, customers would see an 11 percent increase in water bills phased in over the next four years, starting with 3 percent in 2019.
The chamber has criticized city officials in recent weeks for what it says is a failure to follow through on promises made regarding previous bond issues, including the Columbia City Council's decision not to proceed with the Henderson Branch sewer extension to the Midway area and delays in adding high-voltage power lines to meet electric demand.
"We are endorsing this bond because it is the right thing to do," chamber President Matt McCormick said in a news release. "If passed, we will work o make sure the outcome of the ballot measure as approved by voters is followed through in a clear and transparent process."