U.S. Rep. Foushee Visits Durham Plant to Highlight Funding to RTP Infrastructure
Durham, N.C. – Today, Durham County officials hosted U.S. 4th District Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee at the Durham County Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to tour one of the initiatives benefiting from the 15 Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding she secured. During the visit, Foushee received a historical overview of how Durham County Utilities manage water and sewer to enable the operations of companies in Research Triangle Park and the larger area.
Dr. Michael “Mike” Lee, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, stated, “On behalf of present and future residents of Durham County, we owe Representative Foushee a sincere debt of gratitude for securing funding that will allow a collection facility that is part of the Triangle WWTP to support our community’s growth and service needs for decades ahead. This investment strengthens critical infrastructure, supports our community’s future needs and helps safeguard public health and environmental quality for the County.”
An award of $1,092,000 to Durham County will replace the existing Park Page Lift Station, an asset to Research Triangle Park that strengthens system reliability and expands the capacity to handle increased wastewater flows. The funding will prepare the County for current and anticipated development in the Region, provide infrastructure improvements and upgrades, and help continue Durham County Utilities’ commitment to protect the environment and responsibly manage public funds.
Director of Engineering and Environmental Services Jay Gibson noted, “RTP is only 7,000 acres or 0.02% of the state of North Carolina’s total area of 34,444,160 acres, yet RTP is a true economic powerhouse for North Carolina, providing some 3.5% of the State’s total Gross Domestic Product, representing approximately $25.1 billion in annual economic value to North Carolina according to a 2024 study.”
During the afternoon meeting, Representative Foushee thanked Durham County elected officials and staff for their visionary leadership and ongoing support that enables the region and state to maintain prosperity. She then joined county leaders Chair Lee, Commissioners Michelle Burton, and Stephen Valentine as well as County Manager Claudia Hager for a tour and explanation of the wastewater treatment plant operations. Engineering and Environmental Services staff members explained how collection systems transport wastewater away from homes and businesses to the treatment facilities, which helps in the prevention of diseases, environmental pollution, protects water quality, water sources and aquatic ecosystems. Durham County owns and maintains a collection system that includes 112 miles of gravity sewer, 10 miles of pressurized force mains and 13 lift stations. These various elements of the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant allow operations to successfully operate at a proven higher level of environmental stewardship.
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