Pender County authorized two engineering steps on Oct. 20 to expand potable water access in parts of the county that currently rely on private wells.

The board approved: (1) a design contract with CDM Smith to produce a waterline design for a short extension serving McCrary Road and adjacent Ashton Road parcels (Rocky Point water district action); and (2) a contract amendment with Highfield Engineering to design an interconnection and longer waterline that would tie the town of Harrells’ system into county infrastructure and extend service toward NC‑11 in the Moores Creek corridor (Moores Creek/Harrells project).

Pender Water and Sewer Executive Director Anthony Colon told commissioners the McCrary Road design will allow the county to serve customers who already paid for water service and that CDM Smith’s fee for that design work is covered from a prior grant. The McCrary plan was described as a lower‑cost first phase; wetlands along McCrary Road steered engineers to a route that begins at Highway 117 and proceeds to Ashton Road before reaching McCrary Road customers.

On the Moores Creek corridor project, Colon said the county has pursued state funding and has been working with Senator Brent Jackson’s office; he reported an earmark request for about $10 million for construction and said Highfield’s contract amendment will cover survey, engineering, permitting, valve and hydrant design and preparation of a project manual. Highfield is already working on an interconnection between Pender and New Hanover County and will fold the Moores Creek design into that work, Colon said.

Board members discussed financing contingencies if state funding does not materialize. County Attorney and finance staff said the utilities enterprise (water and sewer reserves) could be tapped for design work; construction-level funding would need specific appropriation or grant awards. Directors also said waterlines for these corridors would create opportunities for more customers to connect and recommended continuing outreach to residents who have expressed interest.

Why it matters: dozens of households in the McCrary/Ashton area and Moores Creek corridor have sought reliable potable water for years; design approvals are the necessary step before permitting and construction. Commissioners emphasized the need to proceed with engineering so the projects are ready if the General Assembly appropriates construction funds.

What’s next: CDM Smith will proceed with design for McCrary Road; Highfield will finish design and permitting work for the interconnection to Harrells and end‑point at NC‑11. Staff will continue to pursue state funding and report back.