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Forsyth County seeks state funds and plans design‑build for Wahlberg Road sewer expansion
Summary
County staff told commissioners a $19.7 million state grant would fund a Wahlberg Road sewer expansion estimated conceptually at about $14 million; the utilities commission will use a progressive design‑build delivery, the project expects a GMP in 2026 and construction completion in 2027, and the grant is reimbursement‑based requiring demonstrated progress for drawdowns.
County staff on Monday told the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners that a directed projects grant from the North Carolina General Assembly totaling $19,700,000 will be used to install sewer infrastructure in southeastern Forsyth County, with initial work focused on a new lift station and gravity/force main near Wahlberg Road.
Kirby Robinson, community economic development director, said the grant will be administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and that the utilities commission will design, construct, own and maintain the system under an interlocal agreement. "This is a reimbursement‑based grant, so it is very important that we show progress," Robinson said, describing the state’s requirement for regular drawdowns.
Courtney Driver of Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Utilities described the planned delivery method as progressive design‑build. Driver said the county selected an owner‑advisor consultant in September 2024 and the design‑build team (State Utility Contractors/Hazen) in June; phase‑1 preconstruction services cost roughly $1,100,000. She estimated a guaranteed maximum price would be provided when 75% of the design is complete — currently targeted for September 2026 — with construction finishing in about August 2027.
Robinson said the Wahlberg project was budgeted conceptually at about $14 million and that staff requested the full $19.7 million from the state because the state recommended showing the full conceptual budget to reduce the likelihood of the funds being reallocated. "Requesting the full amount makes it less likely the state could pull back those funds," Robinson said.
Commissioners asked how the county would handle any remaining balance if Wahlberg costs less than the requested amount. Robinson said the county is not committing to a particular use for any remainder and would explore funding options if a shortfall appeared; he added that any use beyond the Wahlberg project would be subject to state terms and further board decisions.
The board is scheduled to consider a resolution accepting the grant and approving an interlocal agreement with the utilities commission at its Nov. 20 meeting. The grant’s reimbursement structure means the county must show milestones and expenditures before receiving state payments.
