York County presents draft 2026 legislative priorities, seeks $28 million Moss Justice Center funding and infrastructure matches
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Summary
York County officials presented a draft legislative agenda calling for matching state funds for a $28 million Moss Justice Center renovation, eastern-side water and sewer investments, parks connectivity funding and statutory changes on annexation and impact fees; council members urged staff to prepare ready-to-file language and meet delegation timelines.
Unidentified Speaker 1, presenting a draft legislative agenda to York County Council, urged members to review and provide feedback on a packet staff circulated and encouraged attendance at the state counties' legislative day on Feb. 19.
The presentation highlighted three shovel-ready priorities: a renovation of the Moss Justice Center to update booking and create a medical/mental-health wing, eastern-side water and sewer infrastructure replacements, and park projects including a trail extension at Catawba Bend. “This this is going to be likely about $28,000,000 project,” Unidentified Speaker 1 said of the Moss Justice Center renovation.
Why it matters: county staff described these projects as aligned with the county strategic plan and positioned to be competitive for matching state funds; council members said presenting as an organized delegation will strengthen the county’s case with state lawmakers.
Funding and park asks: staff told the council the county has requested matching funds and is preparing detailed CIP studies due to wrap up in March to support the infrastructure ask. On parks, staff said the county seeks additional funds to extend the Catawba Bend trail toward the Catawba Nation border and requested an additional $750,000 for Worth Mountain to complete restrooms and trails; the county previously received $750,000 toward an original $1,500,000 request.
Policy priorities and statutory asks: the draft also includes policy changes the county wants at the state level. Staff emphasized opposition to unfunded state mandates, recommended enabling legislation to allow fast lanes/HOV on I‑77 (which staff said would require state legislation and coordination with North Carolina), and proposed seeking stronger state tools to hold contractors accountable after water-main breaks linked to fiber and utility work. On annexation, Unidentified Speaker 1 said the county will press for code changes to give counties more ability to challenge municipal annexations.
Council feedback and next steps: several council members pressed staff to prepare specific statutory language—particularly on school impact fees and annexation—so delegation members can act quickly. “I think we need language that's ready to go,” one council member said, urging legal review and draft bills. Staff said they will finalize the document this week, share it with delegation members and coordinate meetings for council members who wish to join.
The council did not take formal votes on the legislative package at the meeting; staff were directed to refine the draft, prepare draft statutory language with attorneys, and return with a final version timed to delegation priorities and committee schedules.
