Thomasville water board cites PFAS study, $35–$40 million regional grant pool and infrastructure upgrades
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Summary
At a brief water board meeting, officials described a regional PFAS assessment tied to roughly $35–$40 million in grant funds, plans to demolish an old tank and build a 12‑inch loop across Highway 43, and routine repairs including a 2‑inch leak on Highway 5 North.
Presiding official opened a brief Thomasville Water Board meeting on what he described as a regional assessment of PFAS and the city’s water needs, saying consultants will return recommendations on how to allocate roughly $35 million to $40 million in grant funds across the region.
“Their assessment is basically a PFAS study and comprehensive study of rates and everything in our area,” the presiding official said, adding that the consultant (ADM) is preparing recommendations so the regional grant money can be used “in a very comprehensive” way. He said the consultant will prioritize what is best for the whole region rather than simply satisfying individual requests.
Board members discussed several planned infrastructure moves tied to that assessment. The presiding official said staff are preparing bid documents for a proposed 12‑inch loop across Highway 43 and that the city will demolish “the old main gallon tank at the county line” so grant funds can be used for replacement or other work. The official said tank renovations already completed have left the plant in relatively good condition.
Unidentified Speaker (S2) reported recent maintenance: crews repaired a 2‑inch leak on Highway 5 North and replaced a water service and tap at 655–675 Pine Street. “We did fix a 2 inch water leak on Highway 5 North, and we replaced the water service and tap on 655 675 Pine Street,” the speaker said.
Officials noted volunteer help from fire department members to paint and service hydrants and said staff will pilot new, lower‑cost reflective bands to help identify hydrant flow ratings (color‑coded red/orange/green/blue). The presiding official emphasized that color bands indicate hydrant flow ranges and that testing will determine the most durable and cost‑effective replacement.
No formal vote on capital projects or grant allocation occurred at the meeting; board members said they are awaiting the consultant’s assessment and recommended bid documents before any financing or formal approvals would be sought. The water board adjourned and the city council opening followed with the pledge and a remembrance of recent community deaths.
What happens next: the consultant’s PFAS and system assessment is expected to return recommendations that staff will use to prepare bids and funding requests; no formal allocation or contract award was made at this meeting.
