Commissioners approve agreement to accept Commerce funds for sewer expansion at county commerce park

Economic development staff told the board that the county previously received two awards related to sewer expansion at the Northampton County Commerce Park: $3,000,000 from the Golden Leaf Foundation and an award from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to expand sewer for industrial park growth. Staff advised that an industrial development fund agreement with the Department of Commerce for $1,500,000 needs board execution as a formality to accept the award and allow the county to proceed with design, engineering and permitting.

Chair sought a motion, Speaker 5 moved to approve the agreement and Speaker 2 seconded. The board voted unanimously with ayes and the chair declared "Motion is carried." The staff presentation said the agreement had been reviewed by county staff and by Scott (staff/legal) and that the agreement contained no unusual provisions; executing it is intended to permit the county to move forward with project design and permitting.

No amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes; staff said next steps are to proceed with design, engineering and permitting work. The board did not set a construction timetable in the discussion recorded on the transcript.