County officials spent much of their recent board meeting reviewing the status of several infrastructure projects, with the most extensive discussion focused on Winterville’s water system upgrades and the ongoing problems tied to construction, line repairs and project funding.
Engineers explained that Winterville’s water improvements were funded through multiple programs, including federal dollars administered by the state health department. According to the project overview, Winterville received money to construct a new well, connect new water lines, install a pressure tank and add a backup generator. Some county funds were also matched with grant dollars to support the improvements.
The board learned that newly installed water lines have already been tied into the system, but state lab closures over the holidays delayed the release of bacteria test results needed before fully activating the new connections. Engineers said the well is ready for start-up testing, and they planned to meet with the contractor immediately after the meeting to begin those steps.
Construction Issues and Line Damage
A large portion of the meeting centered on complaints from residents and concerns about damage to existing water lines. Officials acknowledged that the older lines lacked tracer wire, which made them difficult to locate. As new lines were installed, construction crews repeatedly struck unmarked or inaccurately marked lines, causing leaks and service disruptions.
The engineering team emphasized that much of the confusion stemmed from inaccurate historic drawings and the limitations of legally acceptable locating tolerances. Several board members sought clarification on who is responsible for repairing damaged customer service lines. Engineers stated that all known leaks and service interruptions have been repaired, and they planned a site visit to confirm system readiness.
Residents also raised concerns about homes situated off main roads and alleys. Board members pressed for assurances that those homes were included in the reconnection plans and asked for clarification on which properties had been tied into the new system. Project leaders reported that reconnection of service lines is part of the contract and is scheduled immediately after the new main line receives a clear test.
Chlorination Systems and Well Integration
As part of the long-term upgrades, the county is installing two new chlorination systems—one for the new well and one for the old well. The old system will be replaced once all construction is complete. Board members also examined how the new line running to the fire station would operate independently from the line serving residents. Engineers confirmed the system is designed to use separate lines for those purposes.
Additional Infrastructure Funding and Bridge Projects
Beyond water concerns, the board reviewed several ongoing road and bridge projects. Use-tax funds were allocated to cover shortages in two BRBR bridge projects on Avondale Road and Surveillance Road, with costs exceeding initial estimates submitted to the state. Officials estimated that more than $1 million in county use-tax funds had been directed toward these projects after state-awarded funds fell short of actual needs.
Engineers also reported progress on Huntington Point Road, Collier Road, and multiple state-related projects. Several items remain delayed due to federal highway approvals and federal government shutdown impacts.
Facility and Equipment Needs
The board also heard updates regarding the Washington County Convention Center, including annual agreements and emergency preparation considerations with the Red Cross. Discussions also covered improvements at local parks, rodeo and horse-show arenas, and maintenance needs that require specialized equipment for dirt leveling and arena preparation.
