Durham outlines Goose Creek outfall schedule; dozens of development plans can partially or fully proceed

City water management staff told the council that the Goose Creek Outfall project remains under an active construction and outreach timetable and that project phasing will determine when properties within the basin can connect or proceed with development.

Staff reported that 57 developers have contacted the city and that, of 104 projects submitted for review, 32 can move forward fully, 64 can partially proceed and 7 must wait until construction is finished. "We ask that the development community continue to send any inquiries to DWMdevelopmentinquiry@Durhamnc.gov," a water management presenter said, and announced a public meeting for developers.

Officials described the project as split into two phases, with phase‑1 completion opening parts of the basin and phase‑2 finishing the middle sections. Staff said phase‑1 construction is on a timeline that currently projects completion in 2029, phase‑2 in 2030, and that they are pursuing ways to accelerate work through early procurement packages, early easement acquisition and multiple construction packages focused on critical bores under interstates.

Council members and staff discussed impacts to pending projects and steps to reduce delays. Staff said most of the properties north of I‑85 are city‑owned, easing some right‑of‑way and easement work, but that about 50 property owners will need to be engaged for easements where the project crosses dense urban corridors. Officials emphasized continued monthly updates and a public outreach meeting the week following the session.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach, publish monthly updates on the Goose Creek project webpage, evaluate acceleration packages and return to council with contract approvals when ready.