Columbus County Towns Secure $2.38M in State Grants for Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Three Columbus County municipalities received $2.38 million through water system grants from the State Water Infrastructure Authority. Boardman, Cerro Gordo, and Tabor City claimed these funds during Wednesday's SWIA session.

Boardman secured $1.58 million in state money to fix its sewer pump station. Cerro Gordo pulled in $500,000 to repair well No. 2. Tabor City walked away with $300,000 for engineering studies examining its water and sewer operations.

State Rep. Brenden Jones revealed these grants on Thursday. He described the situation facing Boardman and Cerro Gordo as a crisis affecting their utility operations.

"As they search for long term solutions, I am hopeful that this grant money will allow them to better plan for their future," Jones said to Columbus County News.

Jones recognized Tabor City's success in attracting business and residents. Commercial activity has surged there. Homes keep getting built. All this means the town needs more water and sewer capacity.

"Their leadership has reached out to me, and they want to plan for a very different future over the next twenty to thirty years," Jones said. "I think this grant will allow them to bring in engineers, planners, and other experts to try and strategically chart their future needs for water and sewer."

The representative explained that Tabor City wants growth on its own terms. Officials there keep a close watch on what's happening in Horry and Brunswick counties.

"I enjoy working cooperatively with the towns in my district," Jones said. "We are in constant contact with each other, and we are all working toward progress in Columbus County."

Jones mentioned that the General Assembly puts infrastructure projects first. These investments matter for how people live across North Carolina.