Rebecca Brown

This strategic plan outlines the direction for the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority (PTRWA) to serve the water and wastewater needs of its member communities. It is structured around three strategic priorities: Enhanced Regionalization of Water and Wastewater Resources, Community Outreach and Education, and Infrastructure and Service Delivery. The plan aims to ensure the region's community and economic vitality by effectively managing high-quality water and wastewater resources, addressing expanding needs, and fostering collaboration to develop long-term solutions for sustainable growth.

The meeting focused on the Regionalization Initiative Steering Committee agenda, which included kickoff and introductions, committee administration, review of previous committee meeting minutes, and new business. Key discussions under new business involved a presentation on the Regionalization Study, discussion of the PTRWA Board Resolution, committee discussion, a legislative update, and planning next steps. The committee administration section highlighted that the initiative began as a TREBIC Initiative in July 2024, with the PTRWA Board tasking the committee to steer the regionalization water and wastewater study. The Old Business section noted that the PTRWA Master Plan endorsing regionalization recommendations has been finalized. The Regionalization Study Presentation detailed regional challenges such as population growth straining utilities, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and cost control drivers for regionalization. It presented four alternatives for wastewater regionalization, with Alternative 4 (a comprehensive solution involving Greensboro, High Point, Randleman, Ramseur, Franklinville, and Asheboro at the Asheboro WWTP site) identified as the preferred option due to resilience and support for economic growth. Financial considerations, including estimated bill impacts for 'Go-it-alone' versus regionalization scenarios, were reviewed. The 'Next Steps' plan includes increasing awareness, determining participants by the end of 2026, developing agreements, conducting engineering, establishing financing, and implementing capital projects.

This report, commissioned by the North Carolina Chamber Foundation, provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between economic development and water and wastewater infrastructure. It outlines challenges and offers a strategic roadmap with recommendations centered on strengthening data collection and water availability studies, promoting regional collaboration among utilities, expanding site readiness programs, developing a State Water Competitiveness Plan, and securing infrastructure investments through innovative financing and workforce training. The plan aims to sustain North Carolina's economic growth while safeguarding public health, environmental integrity, and long-term water security.