Background:
McDowell County operates a public water system in the Nebo community. Portions of the system have been in place since the 1990's when McDowell County, the City of Marion, and McDowell County Schools partnered to extend public water to Nebo Elementary. Newer portions of the system have been constructed throughout the community since approximately 2005. There are now over 16 miles of water lines in the area. McDowell County had been evaluating system expansion plans over the past several decades and has grown the system primarily through grant funding.
Project Information:
In 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly granted McDowell County $11 million for the expansion of the system. The funding has allowed for the extension of lines along many of the roads in the area including NC 126, Lonesome Pine Drive, Jack Corpening Road, Ned McGimsey Road, Bentwood Drive, Sunny Acres Drive, Rolands Chapel Road, Memorial Park Road/Old No. 10, Wildlife Road, Springdale Drive, Cobblestone Drive, and Uptons Landing Road.
Funding:
The $11 million granted to McDowell County by the NC General Assembly has its origins as federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. There are no County funds in this project.
Timeline:
Some of the lines are nearing completion as of September 2024. All work is planned by completed by December 2026.
