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Carroll County PSA says Exit 1 wastewater project stalled without outside funds
Summary
Carroll County Public Service Authority staff told members the Exit 1 regional wastewater project cannot move forward without additional outside funding after a requested budget amendment from the General Assembly was not received; several other system upgrades are proceeding or awaiting outside approvals.
Carroll County Public Service Authority staff told members April 7 that the Exit 1 regional wastewater project cannot move forward without additional outside funding after a requested budget amendment from the General Assembly was not received.
The project "has taken a long time," and without participation from the state transportation agency, "it puts us in a position to not be able to fund this project right now," PSA staff member Mike Watson said. Watson gave an update during the authority's regular meeting in which he also reviewed other system work, including a preconstruction meeting for a screening project and near-complete SCADA upgrades.
Why it matters: Exit 1 was discussed as a major capital effort for the PSA; staff says the authority faces roughly a $3,000,000 shortfall tied to the reduction in scope and outside participation. That funding gap will determine whether the PSA can replace parking and truck-access areas near the welcome center or must limit work to other elements of the site.
Watson said the PSA did not receive the requested budget amendment from the General Assembly this year and that North Carolina Department of Transportation/VDOT participation that had been discussed earlier is not available in the anticipated form. "We did not receive the budget amendment this year through the general assembly. So, this project will be short those funds that we have asked for," Watson said.
Other system updates discussed at the meeting include: - Screening project at Exit 1: Watson said a preconstruction meeting is scheduled and that starting that construction should help address inorganic solids. He noted the project is currently at a standstill in terms of larger site work until funding is resolved. - SCADA (automated monitoring) upgrades: Staff reported the work is about 95% complete but final electrical connections require American Electric Power to make two connections; there is no timeline for that work. - Line extensions and approvals: The Deer Ridge line extension on the Deer Ridge side is complete; Pine Grove line extension is awaiting state approval to use a 2-inch line from the Virginia Department of Health; a separate Extension Drive sewer extension is under cost estimation after staff met with the property owner.
Watson said the PSA is exploring other funding sources and potential loan options but emphasized the authority's limited ability to proceed if outside agencies do not contribute. Authority members pressed staff for options: "Tell me again how much we're short that the VDOT is not gonna do? Approximately $3,000,000," Authority member Brian Collins said.
The board did not adopt any new funding commitments for Exit 1 at the meeting; members expressed that borrowing or alternate restrictions on taps could be explored if loan funds are available but did not vote on a financing plan.
The meeting also included routine items and planning for upcoming grants; staff said the authority will continue to pursue grant reimbursements and other sources as projects progress.
