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Spruce Pine pursues $1.3M EDA invitation and FEMA generator funding for water system upgrades
Summary
Town staff told the council the EDA invited the town to move forward with a $1.3 million Hydro 226 waterline application and described an ongoing FEMA grant bid for four pump-station generators; staff also reported an immediate pump failure that required parts and estimated $50,000 in repairs.
Town staff told the Spruce Pine Town Council on Aug. 12 that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has invited the town to proceed with a grant request for $1.3 million to complete the Hydro 226 waterline project, and that staff are preparing additional documentation requested by the agency.
At the same meeting, the town manager said the EDA invitation is positive but not an official award and that other local funds would complement the project work if awarded. The same staff update covered a FEMA generator grant application that remains active; FEMA funding would cover four generators for pump stations identified by staff: Carter's Ridge Wells, the 198 water pump station, Summit Avenue pump station and Overwood Drive pump station.
Public works staff described a recent mechanical failure at a remote pump station that required replacing a shaft, rebuilding a spare part and installing two new vertical turbine pumps and a new battery charger on a generator. Staff estimated the immediate capital work will cost roughly $50,000 and emphasized that spare parts policy and preventive maintenance reduce service interruptions.
Council members and staff discussed that the FEMA grant and the EDA invitation are separate processes; neither represents an executed contract or award at this time. Staff also outlined planned capital purchases in the water and sewer fund and said quotes are being solicited for generator and equipment purchases.
Staff recommended moving ahead with documentation for the EDA request and continuing the FEMA application process; no formal council action or vote was recorded in the meeting transcript.
