FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COUNTY WORKING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS
TO ADDRESS FUNDING REDIRECT
BREVARD, NC - The newly adopted state budget provides $4 million in state funds for Transylvania County to fund county priority areas of EMS and Fire Response infrastructure and Blue Ridge Community College Brevard campus capital improvements. These funds were repurposed from infrastructure funds previously allocated to Transylvania County.
The reallocation also reduces grant funding originally awarded to Transylvania County by $5,850,000 removing funding approved by commissioners to support the Brevard High School Pump Station, Azalea/Rhododendron neighborhood extension construction in Brevard and the Calvert Road design and construction in Rosman that commissioners approved in March. This does not impact the $10 million in state, federal and private funds the county has invested in the City and Town systems since 2022.
“The county has been supportive of making these projects happen in partnership with our municipalities. While the reallocation was a surprise, our state leaders are working closely with us under a common goal of making sure that critical needs are met,” Transylvania County Commission Chairwoman Teresa McCall said.
“I am aware of the $10 million redirect that happened in the budget conference report. I believe it to be an innocent move by a house budget staff member to find money for projects for our region. The redirect was done through no fault or recommendation by Transylvania County and I am working with staff to find a solution,” North Carolina State Senator Kevin Corbin said.
The reallocation discussion was not known to County Officials prior to being released in the draft state budget on Monday. After consulting with our state representatives, it was identified that misinformation had been provided to state legislative leaders indicating that the funds were not needed for infrastructure projects. County leaders are actively working with state representatives to identify a pathway to address those critical needs that are already underway.
“I am already identifying solutions that will keep the water and sewer projects in question funded while also bringing an additional $4 million in Helene Relief to Transylvania County. I do not feel it is appropriate to blame anyone or group for this situation and will continue to devote my energy to finalizing the solution,” North Carolina House Representative Anna Ferguson said.
Of the $10 million for infrastructure, DEQ was to receive $150,000 for administration purposes and the County had access to $9,850,000 to support infrastructure priorities in addition to direct awards at the same time to the Town of Rosman and City of Brevard for $10 million and $13 million, respectively. Those projects are not affected and will continue to move forward.
The County will issue updates as more information becomes available. For information on capital projects, visit www.transylvanaicounty.org.