Commissioners approve engineering to extend water service to West Marion Elementary; wider loop to be pursued if grant funds come through

The McDowell County Board of Commissioners voted July 14 to approve engineering work to extend county water to West Marion Elementary as the first phase of the East End water project, while staff will continue applying for grant funding to complete the broader loop.

County water system staff reported that mobilization for East End work had not yet begun; officials said contractors were finalizing another job before beginning construction in the project area. Mr. Woodin, the county—s water-system presenter, told the board that Phase 2A and 2B were under construction and that the county is under a "ticking clock" because certain projects must be complete and reimbursed by December.

Woodin said engineers estimate they could finish detailed design in about two months if directed to do so. Commissioners discussed whether to wait for an SRF/Helene-related grant, which might provide additional points for communities damaged by the storm. Several commissioners indicated the primary commitment is to get water to the elementary school.

A motion was made and approved to "go ahead and accept the phase 1 to the West Marion School, through the engineering project," with the board directing staff to report progress at the next meeting and to pursue additional grant opportunities concurrently. The motion passed by voice vote; the board also approved acceptance of a separate state-provided asset-inventory-and-assessment grant ($400,000) and a $100,000 regional coordination grant to support inter-municipal disaster preparedness work.

Ending note: County staff will continue design work and grant applications and return to the board with updates; commissioners asked staff to prioritize the school connection while pursuing funding to serve additional homes, fire departments and businesses on the planned loop.