Stanley manager reports completion of pump station and outlines multimillion-dollar sewer and lead-service projects

Town Manager Steven Denton briefed the Stanley Town Council on Jan. 13 about several capital and infrastructure projects underway or planned in 2026.

Denton reported the $2.5 million Meadows Pump Station project is complete and the new line is operating; he said petitioning the state resulted in full road repair funding for a related overlay (saving the town about $125,000 in Powell Bill funds). He also announced the Brevard Basin Phase 2 project, a $2.2 million state grant-funded initiative to address infiltration and inflow problems on North Peterson Street, Willow Street, and East Poplar, will begin in February.

The manager described a galvanized-to-lead service replacement program covered in part by a $1 million grant; he said all galvanized lines in town must be replaced within 10 years, creating a significant future budget consideration. Denton said construction of the new police department has begun and the foundation has been poured, with an estimated completion by the end of 2026; the project is fully covered by grant funding.

Denton noted that, during Hurricane Helene, excess water through damaged lines cost the town about $30,000 from that single event. He also said negotiations yielded water-cost savings of approximately $1.25 per 1,000 gallons but recommended against immediately passing savings through to ratepayers because aging infrastructure and leaks could consume those funds. The North Carolina Rural Water Association had recommended rate increases to prepare for future repairs.

Council members had no additional questions on department reports, and no votes were required for the manager’s informational updates.