February 6, 2025

Currituck County Advances Infrastructure Upgrades

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News Summary

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on January 27, 2025, focusing on essential infrastructure upgrades, including significant purchases and contracts. Key decisions included sole source purchases for water meters, a major aviation expansion project, plans for a new wastewater treatment plant in Moyock, and the approval of a balloon ban ordinance aimed at environmental protection. These developments underscore Currituck County’s commitment to improving community services and environmental stewardship.

Currituck County Takes Big Steps in Infrastructure Upgrades

Special Meeting Highlights New Purchases and Contracts

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners convened for a special meeting on January 27, 2025, where a plethora of significant business items were discussed, laying the groundwork for crucial infrastructure projects and enhancements that impact the community at large. Among the key topics were two sole source purchases, a major contract for the Hangar Taxilanes and T-Hangar project at Currituck Regional Airport, plans for a new wastewater treatment plant in Moyock, and the implementation of a balloon ban ordinance.

Sole Source Purchases Approved

The commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of Hersey meters from Water Works Metrology, LLC for the Outer Banks water system. This purchase includes a substantial order of 212 meters, 100 antennas, and 200 registers, totaling a cost of $105,903.30. Furthermore, a GlideScope Go 2 monitor was procured from Verathon Inc. for the county’s fire and EMS departments, costing an additional $6,475.

Aviation Expansion Moves Forward

In a significant stride towards enhancing local aviation facilities, four bids were received for the construction of a 10-unit aircraft hangar at Currituck Regional Airport. The contract was awarded to A.R. Chesson Construction Company with a total bid of $3,998,799.02. This project is well-supported with $4 million appropriated by the state, alongside a matching fund of $29,000 from the county.

New Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Horizon

Turning attention towards environmental infrastructure, a proposal was presented for the construction of a 300,000 gallons per day (GPD) wastewater treatment plant in Moyock. The total investment for this ambitious project amounts to $13,762,000. The T.A. Loving team submitted a design fee proposal of $2,067,782.76 to facilitate the new plant’s construction. Currently, a 100,000 GPD system is undergoing testing at the facility, with preliminary results indicating progress towards compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. The anticipated timeline for launching the new plant is set at approximately 24 months following the commencement of construction.

Balloon Ban Ordinance Brush-up

In a move aimed at environmental preservation, the board approved a balloon ban ordinance, which prohibits the intentional release of balloons into the atmosphere, translating to a $50 fine for violators. This ordinance was modified to emphasize the term “intentional” before receiving final approval, although not without some controversy as one commissioner expressed opposition.

Additional Appointments and Changes in Procedures

The meeting also ushered in important personnel decisions, including the reappointment of Mary Simmons and Barbara Snowden to the Historic Preservation Commission, while Brandon Johnson was appointed to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council to replace Ray Matusko. In a bid to streamline operations, the board made adjustments to the order of business for future meetings, establishing a new structure that places reports from commissioners, the county manager, and the attorney at the end of the meetings. This change specifically aims to separate quasi-judicial and evidentiary hearings from legislative discussions.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Currituck County is clearly moving forward with notable improvements in infrastructure, environmental considerations, and community engagement through an organized approach to governance. As construction projects and procedural updates take shape, residents can anticipate a more robust community framework supporting essential services and ecological responsibility.