Union County Water unveils new development website to streamline builder processes

During the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting held on April 7, 2025, in Union County, North Carolina, significant discussions centered around the development of a new facility and enhancements to the county's water development website. These topics are crucial as they reflect the county's commitment to improving infrastructure and services for its residents and developers.

One of the primary discussions involved the construction of a new facility intended to serve multiple counties. Officials expressed confidence in their ability to meet the facility's needs within the allocated budget, despite potential cost increases due to inflation. The timeline for construction is projected to begin in 18 months to two years, allowing for careful planning and adjustments to financial projections based on comparable facilities in other regions.

In addition to the facility discussion, the meeting highlighted the launch of a newly updated website dedicated to Union County Water. This resource aims to streamline the development process for builders and developers by providing comprehensive information about project submissions, timelines, and regulations. The website, which can be accessed at unioncountywater.org, was designed to improve user experience and accessibility, addressing previous challenges where water-related information was difficult to locate on the main county website.

Crystal Panico, the new development program manager, presented the website's features, emphasizing its role in facilitating communication and transparency with developers. The site includes a detailed ten-step process for project approval, which is crucial for ensuring that all developments adhere to the county's water and sewer extension ordinances. The average timeline for project approval is approximately eight months, although larger developments may take longer.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of effective communication regarding the new website. Officials noted that they are actively promoting the site to ensure that developers are aware of the resources available to them. This proactive approach is expected to enhance the efficiency of the development process in Union County.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting reflect Union County's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and support for its growing community. The anticipated facility and the new water development website are steps toward addressing the needs of residents and developers alike, fostering a more efficient and transparent development environment.