Dare County authorizes up to $16 million to replace failed 30‑inch waterline under sound

Dare County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously authorized county staff to move up to $16,000,000 from the county water fund into a newly created capital project so the county can order pipe and seek bids to rebore and replace a 30‑inch waterline running under the sound between Roanoke Island and the beach.

County Manager (name not specified) told the board divers had found the 50‑year‑old pipe “brittle” and “really can’t be repaired,” and warned the county could be “multiple millions of gallons short of water” during summer seasons if the line fails. He said ordering pipe before the end of the year is necessary so construction can begin early next year with a goal of finishing before the end of May.

The manager said the county evaluated alternatives — slip lining, hanging a pipe from the bridge, installing a smaller pipe or expanding treatment capacity at the Kill Devil Hills facility — and concluded none are feasible on the required timeline. “None of them work,” he said, adding that the only viable option is to rebore the line. He told commissioners a preliminary cost estimate provided by a national contractor could reach $16,000,000 depending on subsurface conditions, and that the county is still seeking additional contractors and borings to firm up the price.

William, a water department staff member, described the current pipe material as HDPE, a thick‑walled plastic that can be fused into long lengths and has an expected life of about 150 years. Finance staff member Dave told the board the water fund has two separate balances: a capital “extension and replacement” balance of about $16.7 million and an unrestricted surplus of about $16.6 million as of the end of June. Dave said the department typically contributes roughly $3,000,000 a year into the capital fund and current rate projections assume 2% increases annually over the next five years.

The board voted on a motion by Vice Chairman House, seconded by Commissioner Balance, to approve the budget amendment to move up to $16,000,000 from the water fund into the capital project fund and to adopt a capital project ordinance allowing staff to proceed with procurement and project work. The motion passed unanimously.

County Manager (name not specified) and staff were directed to continue soliciting borings and contractor proposals, refine cost estimates, order long‑lead materials before year‑end, and return to the board with bid results and any necessary adjustments to the capital improvement plan. Staff cautioned that using the capital balances will reduce the county’s headroom for other capital projects and may require adjustments to the CIP or future rates; the manager said staff will present options during the next budget process.

The board provided no specific contractor approvals at the meeting; staff said they are still seeking firms capable of the required large‑diameter underwater bore and are coordinating borings with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.