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Cumberland County commissioners direct staff to draft resolution opposing Fuquay‑Varina interbasin transfer
Summary
After a presentation from county natural-resources staff and PWC, the board voted to direct staff to prepare a resolution opposing a proposed DEQ interbasin transfer by Fuquay‑Varina and to place the resolution on the Nov. 17 consent agenda.
Cumberland County commissioners on Nov. 13 directed staff to prepare a resolution opposing an application to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality by the town of Fuquay‑Varina to increase an interbasin water transfer from 2 million gallons per day to 6.17 million gallons per day.
Amanda Lee, the county’s general manager for Natural Resources, briefed commissioners on the DEQ filing and the potential downstream effects. Lee’s presentation cited concerns that a transfer of this scale could reduce available water in the Cape Fear River Basin, affecting economic development, agriculture and aquatic health in communities downstream.
Representatives from PWC (Public Works Commission) urged residents and elected officials to attend a Dec. 4 public hearing at Fayetteville Technical Community College; Misty Manning of PWC said the utility is encouraging Cumberland County residents and elected officials to speak at that hearing.
Several commissioners said the county should register formal opposition. Commissioner Adams recalled prior litigation and lengthy regional fights over transfers out of the Cape Fear basin, and Commissioner Tyson said protecting water volume was a board priority linked to recent budget and infrastructure decisions. Vice Chair Sherilyn Jones moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution for the Nov. 17 consent agenda; a second was recorded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The resolution will be prepared for consideration on Nov. 17 so county officials can present the board’s position at the December DEQ public hearing if the board confirms it. Staff said the county plans to coordinate with PWC and invite other affected municipalities and counties to the hearing.
The board did not adopt specific language at the Nov. 13 meeting; commissioners emphasized the need for a timely, unified local response and asked staff to return the draft for placement on the consent agenda.
