Coble announces new water money for Moore

Washington, Feb 16 - Phase 2 of Moore County’s water project for the central and eastern portions of the county can now move forward thanks to the announcement today by U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) that the federal government will contribute more than $7.7 million to this portion of the project. Congressman Coble said he has been officially notified by federal officials that the East Moore Water District will receive $4,992,000 in loans and $2,711,000 in grants.

“We have been working with Moore County officials for quite some time on this vitally-needed water project,” Rep. Coble announced, “so it was welcomed news when we received the call today. In the not-too-distant future, and thanks to a federal, state and local partnership, residents in East Moore will be able replace unreliable well water with a modern, public water distribution system. Our office was pleased to assist in obtaining the federal portion of these funds.”

Moore County Manager Steve Wyatt said the hope is to begin actual construction on Phase 2 of this project before the end of the year. “The county spent money upfront to begin the preliminary work,” Wyatt said, “and as soon as the federal money arrives, we will be ready to quickly move to the next step. Once completed, this project will allow us to provide a quality water source to an area of the county that experienced drought conditions in the recent past. We appreciate Congressman Coble’s commitment to working with us to obtain these federal funds.”

Rep. Coble announced that funds will come from the Rural Development Administration within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congressman Coble said the terms of the loan are for 40 years at 4.5% interest. According to the USDA announcement, Rural Development funds will be used to construct Phase 2 of the East Moore Water District system which will serve portions of Carthage, Greenwood, Little River, and McNeill Townships in the eastern and central portions of the county. Phase 1, which began construction in 2002, now serves about 700 homes. It is planned to be a three-phase project, but the last portion will be contingent on the availability of additional funding.

Phase 2 will consist of approximately 81 miles of 4” through 16” water lines, one 500,000 gallon water storage tank, one pump station, and various hydrants, meters, valves, fittings, and other necessary equipment. The USDA announcement states that upon completion, the project will initially provide water to 820 residential users. County Manager Wyatt hopes that the project will also allow for some economic development, as well.

“There are few things in this world as fundamental as safe, clean and reliable drinking water,” Rep. Coble noted, “so it is personally satisfying to us to have a played a role in obtaining these funds for East Moore.”