Today, Pender County Utilities leadership, including Executive Director Anthony Colon and Chief Operating Officer Brian Terry, met with State Representative Carson Smith and Pender County Lobbyist David Ferrell to discuss critical funding needs and long-term water and sewer priorities for Pender County. Also participating were members of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director, and a Board Member of the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority, and leadership from the Town of Atkinson.

The discussion focused on several key areas:

• Sewer Service: Outlined proposed sewer infrastructure improvements in the Town of Atkinson, along with plans to enhance sewer service and address infrastructure needs in the Rocky Point area.
• Water Service Expansion Along Highway 421: Presented a three-phase plan to extend water service to residents along Highway 421 near the Sampson County line.
• Operational and Technology: Reviewed current infrastructure challenges and highlighted recent technology upgrades designed to improve system reliability, operational efficiency, and the customer experience.

A comprehensive master project plan is being developed and will be shared with Representative Smith and Lobbyist David Ferrell to support advocacy efforts for future state budget funding.