Transylvania County approves $1.6M for Brevard High School sewer; recommends splitting remaining $7.1M between Brevard and Rosman

The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners on March 9 unanimously approved $1.6 million to address deficiencies at the Brevard High School sewer pump station and force main, citing public health and facility‑risk concerns. The project cost estimate includes a 20% contingency.

The vote followed staff presentation that described the existing pump station and force main as posing a potential failure risk to multiple school buildings. Commissioner Larry Chapman moved to approve the $1.6 million allocation; Commissioner Jake Dalton seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Why it matters: county staff said the work is preventative maintenance that protects school facilities and supports continuity of operations. The Board also discussed allocation of the remainder of a state infrastructure grant balance — roughly $7.1 million — and the County Manager recommended splitting those funds evenly between the City of Brevard to support the Azalea/Rhododendron sewer extension and the Town of Rosman to support the Calvert Road water and sewer extension. Commissioners expressed support for the even split while acknowledging both jurisdictions likely will need additional funding sources to complete their projects.

Public comment during the meeting underscored local urgency. Residents of the Azalea/Rhododendron neighborhood described failing septic systems, limited on‑lot repair options because of small lots and soil conditions, and related public health and housing stability concerns. Brian Crosier, an Azalea Avenue resident, thanked the Board for approving infrastructure funding and emphasized the importance of enabling low‑ and fixed‑income residents to remain in place.

The County noted that since 2022 roughly $55 million in grant funding has been secured to support water and sewer infrastructure in the county, with Transylvania County directly allocating or gifting $4.6 million to the City of Brevard and $6.7 million to the Town of Rosman toward those efforts. Staff said further local contributions and outside grant pursuit will likely be necessary to complete both the Azalea/Rhododendron and Calvert Road projects.

Next steps: staff will work with the City of Brevard and the Town of Rosman to identify additional funding and pursue further grant opportunities; no additional County action on the $7.1 million split was recorded as a separate formal motion in the minutes.