Mebane opens 1,000,000‑gallon elevated water tank, officials say it boosts pressure and storm resilience

MEBANE, N.C. — City and state officials on Friday cut the ribbon on a new elevated water tank that city leaders say will improve water pressure, strengthen resiliency during storms and support upcoming commercial and industrial growth.

Kelly Roberts, senior director of investor engagement with the Alamance Chamber, opened the ceremony and described the project as “a major investment in our communities infrastructure, helping ensure a reliable water supply for residents and businesses for decades to come.” Roberts invited county, state and federal partners to recognize the collaboration that brought the project to completion.

Mayor Hooks said the structure — a steel elevated tank with a 1,000,000‑gallon capacity — is both a practical piece of infrastructure and a symbol of the city’s planning for growth. “This tank, this 1,000,000 gallon, a a day tank is an example of Mebane’s commitment to infrastructure and smart growth,” Hooks said, noting the tank supported continued water service after Tropical Storm Chantal flooded the Graham/Mebane treatment plant.

State and federal officials who spoke at the event emphasized the tank’s role in enabling development. State Representative Steve Ross said elevated tanks primarily address water pressure, which is critical for new industrial sites and for the city to accommodate expansion. “If you’re gonna grow or if you’re gonna have an industrial site... you have got to have the infrastructure to do it,” Ross said.

Senator Amy Gailey and representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Tom Tillis and U.S. Congressmen echoed those themes. Mike Finley, representing Sen. Tillis, said the senator supported an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant that helped finance the project. Ethan Gay, representing U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and Daniel Durociak, representing U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson, both praised local planning that positioned Mebane to compete for businesses and jobs.

City staff and consultants also received recognition: Mayor Hooks named city manager Richard White, utilities director Kyle Smith, city engineer Franz Holt and project engineers Hazen and Sawyer, among others, and thanked contractors and public works staff who executed the construction.

Officials tied the project’s benefits to recent weather events and to future development. According to remarks at the ceremony, the new tank allowed water service to continue, at reduced levels, after Tropical Storm Chantal produced severe flooding at the regional treatment plant. City leaders also referenced several planned or proposed developments — including a large travel center (Buc‑ee’s) and a health campus — as reasons the additional capacity and pressure are needed.

Roberts closed the ceremony with logistical details for the day: an immediate groundbreaking for a water resources recovery facility at a nearby site, shuttle parking at the Mebane Arts Center, safety instructions (closed‑toe shoes for the site) and tours with refreshments following the events.

The city did not provide a full funding breakdown at the ceremony; speakers named state appropriations and EDA grants as sources. City officials said additional project partners and subcontractors were involved but did not list final contract amounts at the event. The city also noted the project is part of broader, ongoing infrastructure work intended to support Mebane’s growth and economic development.

The ribbon cutting concluded the morning ceremony; attendees were invited to the subsequent groundbreaking and site tours.