Valdese moves forward with plan to strengthen its raw water intake pump

Valdese officials found a way to cover a $14 million project to strengthen its water treatment plant that will, ultimately, only cost about $2.3 million out-of-pocket.

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, Valdese’s raw water intake pump was damaged. It has since been repaired, but the new goal is fortifying it to withstand any future flooding events.

Using grant money awarded from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s State Revolving Fund Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Helene (SRF Helene funds), Valdese officials intend to elevate the pump building, raw water pumps, piping, electrical systems, and all related components by 3 to 5 feet.

The town council unanimously approved this path forward at the Aug. 3 meeting.

“What this consists of is mainly principal forgiveness through SRF funding,” said Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Town Manager Bo Weichel at the meeting. “There are two small loans involved that are 0% loans through the state as well.”

State funding will cover $11.75 million through principal forgiveness. The remaining $2.25 million will be awarded through a 20-year financing plan with a 0% interest rate. This money would come from the town’s utility fund over the next 20 years, Weichel said.

Valdese was originally awarded about $10 million for this project. The town received more funding following a second round of applications.

A timeline for the project has not yet been announced.

SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY

The town has called for a special meeting on Monday at 10 a.m. to discuss a donation from Friends of the Valdese Rec for construction of a playground at Valdese Lakeside Park. Council will potentially take actions to accept the donation, approve of a construction contract, and adopt any necessary budget amendments regarding the playground project.

But the bigger news is arguably at the bottom of Monday’s agenda. The Council will take formal action to schedule a public hearing to discuss Project Arlington, a manufacturer that officials hope to land in a former textile mill in Valdese. Those same officials, however, are still not publicly naming which mill is being considered. The public hearing will be set for Monday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m.

Read more about Project Arlington on the front page of today’s edition.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

Sept. 14 will be a busy day for Valdese leaders. Earlier this week, the town formally announced a groundbreaking for its public safety facility project for that date.

It is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will take place at 200 Massel Ave. SW. The vacant lot sits beside Town Hall.