Liberty receives $12.5 million in sewer grants

MARCH 31, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOWN OF LIBERTY NC

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has awarded The Town of Liberty two waste-water treatment grants totalling almost $13 million. Liberty was one of 735 local governments that applied for these grants and requests for funding far exceeded the amount available to award, according to the NC Department of Environmental Quality.

“This is a really big deal for Liberty because we need to have the capacity to accommodate the growth that we want, and these grants will help us continue with the work we’ve already started,” said Liberty Mayor Filmore York.

“Water and sewer is the biggest challenge in managing growth,” said Town Manager Scott Kidd. “By getting these grants we are able to start the Town of Liberty down a good path to the infrastructure we need.”

Liberty has received $12.5 million to restore and improve our wastewater collection lines to prevent extra runoff and groundwater seeping into the sewer system. “Infiltration,” as it is known, is a huge problem for municipalities, especially ones with older lines. 

“The extra groundwater and runoff loads the wastewater system down, adding stress to the system. But more importantly it takes away capacity to add homes and businesses,” said Public Works Director Joe Walsh. “This grant will allow us to assess all of the sewer lines, allow for repairs of problem areas, which will help prevent infiltration and spills.”

Liberty has 23 miles of sewer lines as well as nine pump stations with a 155-acre spray field. The septic system was initially installed in 1926 and upgraded in 1986. 

For more information contact Town Manager Scott Kidd, 336-622-3276, townmanager@townoflibertync.org

The Town of Liberty
239 South Fayetteville Street
Liberty NC 27298