JACKSON – During their regular meeting on June 5, the Northampton County Commissioners gave the go-ahead to the Public Works Department to apply for an Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant.

The unanimous vote means that the county’s Public Works will proceed with their application to the NC Division of Water Infrastructure. According to Jason Morris, the Public Works Director, this process will help the county complete assessment for their entire water and sewer infrastructure.

Green Engineering, the company who is currently contracted to do the water main relocation project on Squire Road, offered to assist with the application process. They previously helped Bertie County and the City of Wilson apply for the same grant. The grant was awarded successfully in each case.

Northampton County can request up to $150,000, but if granted, the county would be required to match 5% in either money or in-kind services.

Morris explained that the county would benefit from the grant by being able to make a comprehensive map of the water and sewer lines spanning the county’s approximately 550 square miles, and thereby, be able to make plans for future improvements and replacements. It will also help the county make a more accurate Capital Improvement Plan in the future.

The deadline for the application is September 30.