SOUTHERN CITY QUARTER 4 2021 34 The American Rescue Plan and Local Infrastructure CASE STUDY • 04 St. James, NC (Community size: 6,300; System Users: 43,000*) *Total of Brunswick County system users, which includes St. James. The Town of St. James provides a forward-looking case study, as the municipality has already committed to using ARP funds for water infrastructure. The town lies in southeastern Brunswick County along the Intercoastal Waterway, just north of Oak Island, and its residents rely on Brunswick County Utilities for water and sewer service. During peak usage months in the summer, residents experience water pressure issues that can create major problems, whether at home or work. The town is poised to receive $1.99 million in American Rescue Plan funds and is hopeful to use those dollars to address the water pressure issues. In August, the town council voted to begin negotiations for an interlocal agreement that would transfer the money over to the county utility in exchange for expediting a plan to improve the water pressure problem. Improvements may include the construction of a new elevated water storage tank in the area, a new transmission water main, and pressure valves on some existing mains. Brunswick County, meanwhile, plans to spend the bulk of its $27.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding on water and sewer projects, so both local governments appear to be moving toward the same goal of more viable utility. Support Received American Rescue Plan funds. Projects Resolve water pressure issues; county partnerships. Goals Improved operations through inter-local agreement. Legislative goals approved by NCLM members for 2020–21 calling for more investment in infrastructure. Create a permanent and adequate funding stream for local infrastructure needs. Grant local governments the authority to build broadband infrastructure in order to partner with private providers and provide additional funding to help close the digital divide. Provide funding to keep aging water and sewer systems financially solvent today and viable for the future. continued from page 33
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