State pipes in water grant

to tie in municipal systems
By Scott Nicholson
nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

Local municipalities tapped state funds to help pay for a joint water connection.

The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center awarded $1.5 million to help fund the estimated $4-million project to connect the water supplies of Boone and Blowing Rock. The money was funded as a measure to fight drought, since Blowing Rock suffered water shortages in recent years and has had to enact mandatory water-use restrictions.

Blowing Rock is ranked as Tier One under the three-tiered ranking system developed by the N.C. Division of Water Resources. Tier One communities are those considered to be in crisis, with a water supply adequate for 100 days or less, and at risk of crisis if dry conditions persist.

The Town of Boone was awarded $1 million to connect Blowing Rock to Boone’s water system. The town will contribute $2.25 million and the Appalachian Regional Commission will provide an additional $300,000.

Watauga County received an additional $500,000, on behalf of Blowing Rock, to help fund the interconnection.

“We were thrilled to get it,” said Boone mayor Loretta Clawson. “Mainly what we’re doing is for emergency uses. I’m sure someday it will turn into more, but it fits what the governor (Mike Easley) is doing for regional water systems.”

Earlier this year, Boone and Appalachian State University finalized an agreement to connect their water systems. Currently, the future connections are planned as emergency water supply systems, though they could be used to sell or trade water in the future. Boone, Blowing Rock. Seven Devils, Watauga and ASU officials met to discuss regional water issues last week, with no firm plans finalized.

Maverick Farms, Inc., of Valle Crucis received $43,210 to fund the Farmer Incubator and Grower program, resulting in an intensive farmer training program, increased support for local agriculture, and increased heritage and local food tourism. The farm has operated as an educational center and community-supported agriculture project for several years.

Ashe County was awarded $250,000 to renovate and upfit the old Works Progress Administration Hospital in Jefferson, which has been vacant since 2002. The hospital was built in 1939 and served as the community hospital until about 1969. The project will transform the old hospital into a boutique hotel and restaurant, leading to the creation of 25 full-time jobs.

The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center announced a total of $8.7 million in grants to boost stagnant local economies and address critical water and sewer needs. The grants, approved by the center’s board of directors Wednesday, will go to nearly four dozen communities statewide.