title
REVISED/ Commissioner Hovis - Public Works - To Authorize the Filing of Condemnation Proceedings for Acquisition of Easements for the Dallas High Shoals Infrastructure Project
body
STAFF CONTACT
Ray Maxwell - Executive Director of Capital Projects - 704-863-7551
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
N/A
body
BACKGROUND
The NC Division of Water Infrastructure awarded $5,478,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund to Gaston County for the Dallas High Shoals Water Line Project (SRP-D-ARP-0075). On September 27, 2022, Board Resolution 2022-294 approved and appropriated the funds for the Dallas High Shoals Project, and on March 28, 2023, Resolution 2023-114 appropriated an additional $2,375,000 of gap funding from the Division of Water Infrastructure to cover a funding shortfall in the Project. On June 28, 2022, Resolution 2022-203 authorized the execution of a professional services contract for the design of the waterline infrastructure. On January 23, 2024, Resolution 2024-035 authorized the County to enter into interlocal agreements with the City of High Shoals and the Town of Dallas to set the terms and conditions under which the County will construct, and High Shoals and Dallas will operate and maintain the infrastructure.
POLICY IMPACT
County staff has made progress toward the voluntary acquisition of easements for the properties affected by the Project. Staff and the owners of the 15 parcels listed in the attached Claims Report have not yet been able to reach an agreement as to the total compensation and specific terms of the easement agreements necessary to complete the negotiations. Staff will continue to work with the property owners to resolve the claims, but if agreements cannot be reached in the near future, it will be necessary to file condemnation actions in order to timely obtain the property rights needed to complete the Project.
This Resolution authorizes the County Manager, County Attorney, or their designees to file condemnation actions and make all necessary deposits to the Gaston County Clerk of Court, as well as obtain appraisals, title opinions, and take any other actions necessary to allow the County’s acquisition of the easements so that construction may proceed.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution; Claim Report