A major infrastructure project set to come to Henderson County is suddenly in limbo after the state legislature pulled more than $12 million in funding that had already been committed to the work.
The money was part of the Clear Creek sewer project designed to serve Edneyville Elementary School, the fire department, and several nearby facilities.
County leaders say the Board of Commissioners approved a construction contract on Oct. 5; however, less than a week later, they learned that lawmakers in Raleigh had shifted those funds to a separate project in Etowah.
Officials say more than $1 million has already been spent on design and engineering, all from federal recovery funds and not local tax dollars.
The county says it received no notice or explanation before the legislature made the change.
The project was funded through federal American Rescue Plan dollars, which must be spent by December 2026.
"To be honest with you, we found out about it the next morning. And yes, there was no communication that this was going to happen until it happened. And the problem is, you know, we have a very, very, very aggressive schedule, you know, to build this Clear Creek sewer system, and so using it on the Etowah sewer system, we don't think because the funds are being used, being American Rescue Plan dollars, they have until December 2026 to get them spent," said Mike Morgan, Henderson County Communications Officer.
Commissioners plan to discuss the possible next steps in the coming weeks, including whether to borrow money or delay the project.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS.