Fuquay Varina mayor highlights $63 million in transportation work, water capacity and public-safety investments in State of the Town

Mayor Blake Massengill delivered Fuquay Varina’s 2025 State of the Town address on March 3, highlighting transportation projects, water and wastewater investments, downtown redevelopment and public-safety upgrades the town plans to advance over the next 12 to 18 months.

Massengill told attendees the town has 23 transportation projects totaling approximately $63,000,000 that will be completed or are under construction within the next two years and said the town expects continued work to finish those projects. “We will continue to advance these transportation projects to completion,” Massengill said.

The mayor said significant water investments are also underway. He cited the Sanford Water Filtration Expansion Project, which he said will add 6,000,000 gallons per day of drinking water capacity, and a planned 14-mile water conveyance line in partnership with Holly Springs. Massengill also said Fuquay Varina is investing in expansion of the Terrible Creek wastewater treatment plant.

Massengill described public-safety investments and recognitions: the town opened Fire Station 4 last year and will place four new fire trucks into service, and the police department is pursuing CALEA accreditation. “The town of Fuquay Varina will continue to prioritize and invest in our police and fire,” Massengill said.

He also noted recent community amenities and economic milestones: the Hilltop community center welcomed thousands of visitors in its first week, the town approved three mixed-use developments adding more than 500,000 square feet of commercial space, True by Hilton announced plans for a hotel, and a 148,000-square-foot Target began construction and is projected to open next year.

Massengill referenced external recognitions and fiscal ratings as indicators of stewardship: Fuquay Varina holds an AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s and a recent upgrade from Moody’s, and the town has received awards for its financial practices. He cited a community survey showing strong resident satisfaction with quality of life and town services.

On active project funding, the mayor said the town has been recommended to receive a $3,600,000 grant for right-of-way acquisition and pedestrian improvements along Bridge Street between Northwest Judd Parkway and Lincoln Heights Elementary School. He reiterated that the town will focus on seven core principles — transportation, utilities, planning, public safety, quality of life, economic development and downtown — to guide investment decisions.

Massengill closed by thanking staff and volunteers and reiterated the address’ theme of planning for long-term growth. “As I always say, the sun is shining brightly on the town of Fuquay Varina and it’s gonna keep shining brightly this year,” he said.

Ending: The mayor said the town board, management and staff will concentrate on delivering the projects named in the address over the coming 12–18 months. Several items Massengill cited — including the Sanford filtration expansion, right-of-way grant for Bridge Street and the downtown development agreement with HMP Holdings — will move through design, permitting and construction phases that will be scheduled in public agendas and permitting processes.