It’s hard to believe, but we are more than a decade into the use of a strategic plan to guide priorities and initiatives here in New Hanover County.  
 
When the inaugural five-year plan was implemented following approval by the Board of Commissioners back in 2012, it was a framework, designed with attainable benchmarks, that would be the reference point for how we as an organization planned to best serve our customers and support our county’s growing demands.  
 
Since that day, every five years we have worked to build a new strategic plan that captures where our community is now, identifying needs and putting goals in place that continue to create a vibrant and thriving place to call home.  
 
One of the consistent pillars of that plan has centered around smart growth and economic development. In talking with our community, one of the common themes we’ve always heard is the need for higher wage career opportunities locally, along with necessary residential infrastructure to support themselves and their families in New Hanover County.  
 
Having a plan is the place to start. And when planning turns into action, tangible progress is achieved.  
 
Today marks the intersection of those two ideals.  
 
As part of the Board of Commissioners meeting on July 22, staff presented an update regarding funding for infrastructure in the northern portion of New Hanover County, colloquially known as the Last Frontier Project. This area has long been regarded by industrial and residential developers operating in our community as a space that does not have adequate infrastructure to meet the needs of potential projects and support current residents with water and sewer. 
 
This project began with a strategic vision by the Board of Commissioners to fill the infrastructure gap that exists in the northern portion of the county. A preliminary engineering report was conducted in 2019 to study the needs of this area. At that time, these infrastructure projects were not in any near-term capital plans. 
 
Now, at an estimated cost of $39.6 million to complete the project as it stands today, county staff and our partners at Cape Fear Public Utility Authority are pleased to share that these infrastructure improvements will begin to be constructed. Because of the foresight and the willingness of the Board of Commissioners to bring action to this vision, approximately $30 million in funding has been allocated by the state to make this project possible. This funding will be used to implement six different phases of work that will address water and sewer needs in this area, providing much-needed utility connections to a space that has lacked these resources.
  
Factoring in the state’s previously allocated $15 million for the Blue Clay Business Park water and sewer project, which also spawned from a strategic vision to bring businesses and jobs to that area, the county has received approximately $45 million in state funding to support infrastructure expansion to underserved areas of our community.  
 
This is a milestone moment for our community, one that has been made possible by the forward thinking of so many to make sure this became reality. By seeking alternative funding sources, the county ensured that taxpayers would not be burdened with additional responsibility, especially as inflation has elevated the overall cost of this project since its initial inception. Because of these actions, water and sewer will be made available to the northern area of the county as early as December of 2025. 
 
This would not be possible without our Board of Commissioners continuing to stand by this endeavor, unwavering in a desire to see infrastructure reach the northern part of the county. By developing and adhering to a strategic plan, we can see the fruits of this dedication start to bloom. It’s this steadfast commitment to serving the best interest of our community that has led us here today.  
 
It’s also important to recognize our partners at CFPUA and the thoughtful collaboration that navigated this complex and ever-changing issue to make sure more of our community has safe and reliable utilities. 

Additionally, none of this would have happened without so many talented members of the New Hanover County team. At every turn, they answered questions and sought ways to make this project possible, even as costs to do so continued to rise. Our Commissioners charged our team with creating a plan that addressed needs and was cost-effective – which was delivered. As always, their tireless efforts for the betterment of our community are appreciated.  
 
This is a monumental undertaking, one that aligns with the county’s strategic goals and will be a lasting benefit to our residents and economy. We are grateful for the commitment and vision of all involved and excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our county for generations to come.