Oxford gets $3.6 million for water system expansion

Mar. 1—HENDERSON — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced in a press release on Feb. 23 that 80 communities statewide would receive a share of $462.9 million for 249 drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Oxford is one of those receiving money — $3.6 million for phase 5 of the expansion and enhancement of its water system. Part of the project will be "replacing water lines in order to modernize some lines that don't meet current state codes, are in poor condition, and can be between 50 to 100 years old," per the press release.

"The City of Oxford is delighted that our engineering staff continues to be successful in gaining funding for important infrastructure projects," said Mayor Jacqueline Sergent. "With their leadership and hard work we are revitalizing our system for current customers as well as readying Oxford for future growth and development.

"Funds will enable the city to create a needed stormwater master plan and continue water line work in five or more locations. These awards will save our customers nearly $2 million in costs and interest avoided, and we are deeply grateful to the governor and the Department of Environmental Quality for making this funding possible!"

Of the $3.6 million, $500,000 is principal forgiveness. Oxford is also receiving $250,000 for a project called Eastern Area Stormwater Modeling and Master Plan. City officials applied for the grants last fall.

The state usually invests around $200 million annually for water system upgrades. Funds from the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure law have made it possible to invest around $2.3 billion over two years in supporting "this critical infrastructure," Cooper's office said in the release.

"Every single North Carolinian deserves clean drinking water, and aging water systems are a threat to the health and economies of too many of our communities," said Cooper. "Thanks to investments initiated by the Biden administration, we can make a once in a generation transformation in rebuilding water infrastructure for towns and counties throughout our state."

"Investing in water infrastructure provides communities with reliable, affordable access to clean water and the opportunity for future economic growth," said NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. "The amount of funding requested highlights the extensive need for infrastructure investment across North Carolina."