BEECH MOUNTAIN – The recently passed 2023 North Carolina State Budget includes a $14 million appropriation for the Town of Beech Mountain to improve the Town’s public water system infrastructure. This grant will be utilized to construct a critically important secondary emergency water source to meet the demand for public water during times of drought. 

“Bottom line is we need this funding to move forward with building a secondary water source for the Town,” stated Bob Pudney, Beech Mountain’s Town Manager. “I want to thank our state legislators for recognizing the gravity of our situation and acting. Senator Ralph Hise and Representatives Dudley Greene and Ray Pickett served as champions for the Town and were instrumental in bringing these funds to the High Country. Senator Michael Lee who represents New Hanover County has ties to Beech Mountain and engaged to understand the importance of the funding.”

Mayor Barry Kaufman stated, “This grant validates not only the tremendous need we have for a secondary water source, but also the well-designed Lake Coffey Reservoir Project. It has taken years to get this far, and I want to thank the Town Council, staff, engineers, our state legislators, and other government agencies for helping us with the most vital project in our Town’s history.”

The Town is awaiting news on funding from a separate federal grant application, and residents will be voting on a General Obligation Bond to aid with additional funding for the water infrastructure project. Pudney noted that the General Obligation Bond, if passed, will only be used to fund any shortfall in the project’s funding.

“Our residents practice water conservation and we encourage our visitors to do the same,” stated Pudney. “We have replaced over 40,000 feet of main water lines in the last five years and built a state-of-the-art water treatment plant. We are committed to maintaining a safe, secure water supply for our residents and visitors. We are grateful to the NC Legislature, and our local delegation, for their support.”