Stanley reports $2.5M pump station complete, state-funded sewer repairs and police department construction under way

Town Manager Steven Denton told the Stanley Town Council on Jan. 13 that several infrastructure projects have either completed or are poised to begin, driven largely by state grants and negotiated cost savings.

Denton reported the Meadows Pump Station project, a $2.5 million initiative, has been completed and the new line is operating. He said prior lines had experienced about 40 blowouts due to age. The manager also said successful negotiations secured full paving coverage from the state for overlay work from El Remarco Drive to General Beauregard Street, saving the town roughly $125,000 in Powell Bill funds.

The council heard that Brevard Basin Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in February to address infiltration and inflow in the town sewer system; the $2.2 million project is fully paid for by a state grant and will repair lines on North Peterson Street, Willow Street and East Poplar. Denton said excess water from Hurricane Helene cost the town about $30,000 in one storm because of damaged lines.

A galvanized service replacement project is underway after the town received a $1 million grant for lead-service replacement; Denton noted the grant covers only a portion of the town and that all galvanized lines must be replaced within 10 years, which represents a significant future budget consideration.

Denton also reported that the foundation for the new police department has been poured and that construction is expected to finish by the end of 2026. He characterized those projects as funded by grant sources and advised caution about passing modest water-rate savings immediately to customers because of ongoing infrastructure needs.

The council received the report with no further questions from directors.