Halifax County commissioners today adopted a budget ordinance to account for a $350,000 award from the Golden Leaf Foundation for critical water improvements at the community college.

Economic Development Director Cathy Scott told the board the college also received a legislative appropriation of $1,949,384 for the construction of the water loop project — which has an estimated total cost of $2,299,364.

An administrative agreement, she said in a memo to the board, outlines the college’s responsibilities as they pertain to the Golden Leaf grant.

The project consists of the design and construction of a new water line, booster pump and a new connection to an elevated water tank to serve the campus.

The new project will provide adequate water supply for campus operations and fire protection.

The total package has been approved by the college’s board of trustees, Scott said.

“It is very much needed,” said Commissioner Linda Brewer, who also serves on the college board.

Scott said the project will pave the way for future growth at the college. “Whether you know it or not, the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the size of that facility, was downsized from the original plans because of water capacity. It does affect the growth of the college.”

"The water loop project will replace existing infrastructure to ensure adequate functionality to the campus water system,”  HCC President Patrena Elliott said. “We are grateful that these funds were appropriated to the college to help address this critical need."