County gives Lexington $5 million for additional sewer capacity

DAVIDSON COUNTY — Davidson County has paid the City of Lexington $5 million to increase its wastewater sewage capacity to ensure adequate service for current needs and potential development in the future.

On Feb. 2, Davidson County Commissioners unanimously voted to amend its current sewer agreement with the City of Lexington to include a one-time payment of $5 million in exchange for an additional 500,000 gallons per day of wastewater sewer capacity provided by the city.

Davidson County Manager Casey Smith said the county, which does not operate a wastewater sewage plant and gets its sewage services by the City of Lexington, was notified a year-and-a-half ago that the county was rapidly reaching its current capacity for wastewater sewage. He said this agreement makes it possible to have adequate service for current and future needs.

“Wastewater sewer capacity is the key to growth for any community. I am proud of the work accomplished here, as it will further economic development opportunities within both Davidson County and the City of Lexington,” said Smith.

The agreement is the culmination of 18-months of work between leaders of Davidson County Government, the City of Lexington, and state representatives, including Davidson County Sewer Committee Members, Vice-chair Todd Yates, Commissioner Steve Shell, and Commissioner Karen Watford, along with Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes, NC Senator Steve Jarvis, and State Representatives Larry Potts and Sam Watford.

The $5 million the county used to purchase additional capacity was awarded through the state allocated American Rescue Plan funds for sewer expansion and infrastructure enhancements.

Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes said that the city currently has a total wastewater sewage capacity of 6.5 gallons per day, which can adequately provide the 500,000-gallon increase for the county without need for upgrading the system. He said most likely the $5 million will be applied for maintenance of the wastewater system in the next few years.

“We have additional capacity for our current and projected needs,” said Hayes. “What this does for us is with it comes the opportunity for growth; both the city and county can reap the benefits with potential commercial industry.”

According to representatives from the county this additional wastewater capacity is vital for economic growth within both Davidson County and the City of Lexington.

"This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and cooperation between the county and Lexington City. It will allow for more business and residential development. As the chair, I congratulate all the parties involved and look forward to more partnerships,” said Fred McClure, chairman of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners.

The agreement was also applauded for the cooperation between local and state representatives.

“Being a former commissioner, it is certainly good when the municipalities and county work together to create employment opportunities for its citizens. When one part of the county benefits, the entire county benefits,” said Potts.

Jarvis said he was happy to be part in securing the funding and working with city and county representatives.

"The Davidson County state delegation collaborated with the city and county to improve relationships and work for the betterment of the entire county. I look forward to continuing to work toward this effort. Sewer expansion is key to the growth and economic development of the county,” said Jarvis.

“This is an excellent example of how positive policy decisions made today affect future generations,” said Rep. Watford.

When addressing the Board of Commissioners regarding the amended agreement, Mayor Hayes spoke on the importance of partnership.

“When the county wins, the city wins, and when Lexington as a city wins, the county wins,” said Hayes. “I am very excited about this opportunity for partnership between the City of Lexington and Davidson County and hope that this will lead to more opportunities for partnership in the future.”

This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: County gives Lexington $5 million for additional sewer capacity