Mount Pleasant taxpayers will see $317,500 in federal relief money flow into water, sewer and stormwater planning after the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the spending Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act's Asset Inventory and Assessment program, break down to $171,500 for stormwater projects, $79,500 for water and $66,500 for sewer, according to the town's meeting agenda. They are planning and assessment grants, separate from the town's larger ARPA-funded construction projects: a $9.9 million water distribution overhaul and a $5.8 million sewer outfall replacement already underway.
The board also approved $34,841.40 from the town's fund balance to cover cost overruns on the Town Hall parking lot repaving project. Town engineer Richard D. McMillan presented that amendment.
Both budget items passed unanimously.
Jackson Street waterline aims to finish before school
Assistant Town Manager Erin Burris told the board that the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality approved the Jackson Street waterline replacement. Contractor State Utility Contractors received permission from NCDOT Division 10 to begin work at North Drive and Jackson Street, moving toward Highway 49.
"The goal is to complete the project by the time school starts," Burris said. "Still waiting for the encroachment agreement to be signed by NCDOT for the work along Hwy 49."
The town's water distribution project replaces 1937-era 6-inch water mains with 12-inch lines along roughly four miles of streets including Main Street, Franklin Street, Cook Street and Highway 49. NCDOT has approved a mill-and-pave contract for Highway 73 and Main Street once the waterline work wraps up.
On the sewer side, Burris reported that 215 feet of old line on Hillside Drive had been replaced and two manholes on Ridge Drive were renovated. The town is working with LKC Engineering to determine whether remaining funds could repave Hillside Drive, where the 9-foot-wide trench box damaged more than half the 16-foot-wide street.
Speed concerns on Hwy 49 and Hwy 73
Deputy Grimes of the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Department Traffic Enforcement Division recommended the town consider purchasing a radar trailer that flashes a driver's speed and triggers blue-and-white lights when someone exceeds the limit by a set margin. Grimes said the trailers have reduced speeding in Harrisburg and Midland.
The discussion followed a denied request: the town had previously asked NCDOT to extend the 45 mph zone on Highway 49 from North Drive, but the state declined. NCDOT told the town it could submit a letter outlining its concerns about speed limits on both Highway 49 and Highway 73.
Water plant update
Town Manager Randy Holloway reported the water treatment plant is running well. A new well permit has been submitted to NCDEQ, and Holloway said approval was expected imminently. The well would help dilute organics in the lagoon before treatment, improving July water sampling numbers and moving the town closer to compliance.
The board also adopted a new Public Records Request Policy on its consent agenda and added a public nuisance declaration at 1075 Circle Drive to the agenda under new business.
The town's next regular meeting is expected Sept. 8 at Town Hall, 8590 Park Drive.
