Foushee Secures $1.09M for Durham’s Infrastructure, Tours Plant Supporting Growth Region
DURHAM, N.C. — A major federal investment aimed at strengthening Durham’s infrastructure and long-term growth took center stage Tuesday as U.S. Rep. Valerie P. Foushee visited the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant to highlight funding she secured for a key utilities project that local leaders say will benefit residents for decades.
The visit showcased one of the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding awards Foushee delivered for the region — a $1,092,000 federal allocation to replace the existing Park Page Lift Station, a critical component of Durham County’s wastewater system that supports Research Triangle Park and surrounding communities.
Infrastructure Investment Positioned to Power Regional Growth
County officials emphasized that the federally supported upgrade will increase system reliability, expand capacity, and prepare Durham for future development as population and business growth accelerate across the Triangle.
Dr. Michael “Mike” Lee, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, praised the impact of the funding:
“We owe Representative Foushee a sincere debt of gratitude for securing funding that will support our community’s growth and service needs for decades ahead,” Lee said. “This investment strengthens critical infrastructure, safeguards public health, and protects environmental quality.”
Engineering leaders explained that wastewater systems are foundational to economic development because they enable businesses, research facilities, and residential communities to operate safely and sustainably.
Why This Project Matters for the State Economy
During the tour, Engineering and Environmental Services Director Jay Gibson highlighted Research Triangle Park’s economic footprint:
- RTP covers just 7,000 acres — about 0.02% of North Carolina’s land area
- Yet it generates roughly 3.5% of the state’s total GDP
- That equals about $25.1 billion in annual economic value, according to a 2024 study
Officials say modernized utilities infrastructure is essential to sustaining that level of economic output.
Inside the System: How Durham Protects Public Health
Staff members walked Foushee and county leaders through how Durham’s wastewater network operates, explaining how the collection systems:
- Move wastewater away from homes and businesses
- Prevent disease transmission
- Protect drinking water sources
- Preserve aquatic ecosystems
Durham County maintains an extensive system that includes:
- 112 miles of gravity sewer
- 10 miles of pressurized force mains
- 13 lift stations
Together, these assets allow the county to operate at what officials described as a higher standard of environmental stewardship.
Collaboration Between Federal and Local Leadership
After the facility tour, Foushee thanked local officials and staff for their partnership and vision, emphasizing that federal-local collaboration is essential for infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and support economic opportunity.
County Manager Claudia Hager, Commissioners Michelle Burton and Stephen Valentine, and other leaders joined the visit to review the plant’s operations and discuss long-range planning priorities.
Looking Ahead
Local officials say the federally funded improvements represent more than a construction project — they signal a strategic investment in Durham’s future. By reinforcing essential infrastructure now, leaders believe the region will remain competitive, environmentally responsible, and prepared for sustained growth.
Conclusion
With tangible federal support already translating into local upgrades, the visit underscored how targeted investments can deliver real-world impact. County leaders say projects like this demonstrate the power of proactive advocacy and strategic partnerships in ensuring Durham’s infrastructure keeps pace with its expanding economy and growing population.