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County water projects proceed as engineers, DOT and federal requirements slow some segments
Summary
McDowell County staff reported pipe installation on an East End water project, progress on Nivo Phase 2 and delays caused by longer North Carolina DOT encroachment reviews; a West Marion loop requires a booster station and several easements.
Public utilities staff updated the board on water system projects, including ongoing construction in the East End, near completion of Nivo phase 2 A/B, and design work for the West Marion loop that requires a booster station and a small number of easement acquisitions.
Water system staff said pipe is already being installed for the East End project around NC 126 and Marion Lake Club. Nivo phase 2 A and 2 B are nearing completion, while phase 3 work is encountering delays related to external reviews. Staff reported an increase in review time for encroachment agreements with NCDOT — what was commonly a one‑ to two‑month process has stretched to many months. The county’s engineer said NCDOT has routed more reviews to its central office in Raleigh and is applying stricter interpretations, slowing projects.
For the West Marion area (near West Marion Elementary), staff said federal funding requires an environmental document and that the project will need a booster station because of elevation. Staff reported the 60% plans are in hand, identified six to seven parcels needing easement acquisition and said meter boxes must be shown at each property. The manager indicated a contract amendment would be brought to the board the next week to cover additional project tasks.
Separately, staff briefed the board on the Charlotte Water interbasin transfer matter (no application filed to date). The General Assembly enacted a moratorium on large interbasin transfers until 2027 and commissioned a UNC study; county staff will keep monitoring the situation and participate in regional conversations.
Ending: Staff will pursue easement plats and coordinate with NCDOT to reduce encroachment delays while preparing contract amendments and additional documents needed for federal funding and construction.
