Stanley reports completion of $2.5M pump station, new sewer repair grant and police building under construction

Town Manager Steven Denton told the Stanley Town Council on Jan. 13 that several major infrastructure projects are moving forward, including completion of the Meadows Pump Station, upcoming sewer repairs covered by a state grant, lead/gavanized service line replacements under a $1 million grant, and construction of a new police department building.

Denton said the Meadows Pump Station project, a $2.5 million initiative, has been completed and the new line is operating; he noted prior lines had experienced about 40 blowouts. He reported Brevard Basin Phase 2 — a $2.2 million project fully covered by a state grant — will begin in February to address infiltration and inflow issues on North Peterson Street, Willow Street and East Poplar. Denton said during Hurricane Helene, excess water moving through damaged lines cost the town about $30,000 from that storm alone.

Denton also described a galvanized service replacement effort as part of a state‑mandated lead service replacement program; the town received a $1 million grant that covers a portion of town lines and Denton cautioned that replacing all galvanized lines over the next 10 years represents a significant future budget consideration.

Construction of the new police department has begun with the foundation poured; Denton estimated the project will be completed by the end of 2026 and said it is fully covered by grant funding. Denton said negotiations on water purchases produced approximately $1.25 in savings per 1,000 gallons but advised the council that immediate rate reductions might not be prudent given infrastructure needs and the North Carolina Rural Water Association’s recommendations.

Council did not vote on additional funding at the meeting; the reports were presented for council information and future budgeting.