Staff
Report
Clay County received good news this week when they learned from U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards that Clay County will receive a portion of the $18.7 million that passed the House and Senate for targeted community projects in North Carolina’s 11th district.
As part of the appropriations package Clay County will receive $2.5 million for a new, state of the art EMS facility in Clay County. It will be located across the road from the current building, on a strip of land close to Dr. Jason Shook’s dental practice.
“We’ve been working with Congressman Edwards for about a year on this,” said County Manager Debbie Mauney.
“Throughout my district work periods, I have heard from law enforcement, first responders and community leaders all across our mountains about critical needs in our communities,” Edwards said. “I am happy that lawmakers in the House and Senate have recognized the merit in my requests to fund these community projects to help make life better for Western North Carolinians. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to continuing to advocate for WNC priorities in a fiscally responsible manner.”
In addition to the Clay County EMS facility, the following community project funding requests made by Edwards were passed by Congress, broken down by each specific appropriations bill:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
• $2.8 million for facility upgrades to St. Luke’s Hospital in Polk County.
• $750,000 for water infrastructure improvements in the Town of Murphy.
• $1 million for broadband expansion in Haywood County.
• $80,000 for a water rescue boat for emergencies in Graham and Swain Counties.
• $1.3 million for water infrastructure improvements for the Town of Rutherfordton.
Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies
• $1.5 million for public safety communication upgrades in Madison County.
• $1 million for public safety communication upgrades in Transylvania County.
$100,000 for portable substance analyzers for law enforcement in Yancey County.
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
• $1.75 million for a new regional wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Canton.
• $1 million to expand water treatment plant capacity in the Town of Weaverville.
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
• $5 million to renovate and upgrade the Workforce & Industry Center at Haywood Community College.
Edwards said in a news release, the legislation will go to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.