$7.5 million approved for water and sewer projects countywide

BOLIVIA—Brunswick County Commissioners approved $7.5 million worth of water and sewer improvements at their meeting Monday.

Included in the approvals is a contract with R.H. Moore Company Inc. for the Boiling Spring Lakes sewer collection system project for $2,649,675. Commissioners also voted to extend a waiver period for capital recovery fees for the project to the town of Boiling Spring Lakes for one year.

Carmichael Construction Co. has been awarded the Boiling Spring Lakes Sewer Transmission Force Main project in the amount of $1,289,933. The Boiling Spring Lakes project was divided into two parts.

In the northeastern section of the county, DeVere Construction Co. has been awarded a contract for construction of a commerce pump station and force main project in the amount of $1,511,539.

Ralph Hodge Construction has been awarded construction of the Clairmont pump station and force main project in the amount of $2,013,000.

Tripp Engineering has been awarded the Sandpiper Bay/Old Georgetown Road/Sunset Beach tank water system improvements project in the amount of $75,000.

“That is $7.5 million worth of water and sewer projects we have voted to approve tonight,” commissioner Phil Norris said. “This allows job creation. It’s an investment we started on years ago, and it’s encouraging to see it continuing.”

“If you’ve lived on septic you know having municipal water and sewer is a tremendous asset,” commissioner Marty Cooke added.

In other business:

•Commissioners drafted a resolution opposing the proposed homeowners’ insurance rate hike and encouraged people to speak up against the one-year rate increase of 30 percent.

•Discussed traffic flow issues at the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

•Approved a hunting club lease for property along N.C. 211.

•Approved a contract with Utilities Reduction Specialists Inc. for a telecom and energy audit.

•Awarded a contract to Bowman Design & Engineering Services for $24,000.

•Voted four to one with commissioner Charles Warren dissenting not to accept a HUD grant with regulations established by a third party. It was to be disseminated among three counties.

“I am told this is only being offered in swing states during an election year,” Cooke said. “It could create a situation…this type of legislation is created to try to put people into urban areas. I’d like to see us return that money and not be a part of it. Thank you, but no thank you.”