Northampton County Pursues Federal Grant to Expand Sewer Service Toward Route 13

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. — Northampton County is seeking federal funding that could help finance a major sewer infrastructure expansion aimed at opening new opportunities for commercial and industrial development between Cape Charles and U.S. Route 13.

At Tuesday’s BoS Regular Meeting, County Administrator Matt Spuck told the Northampton County Board of Supervisors that he has begun preparing a draft application for a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant targeting rural public works projects that support economic growth.

The proposal would extend sewer service from Virginia American Water’s Cape Charles wastewater treatment system toward the Stone Road and U.S. Route 13 intersection, an area county officials have long identified as having significant development potential.

Spuck told the Mirror, “This specific concept is still in the feasibility phase.  If others don’t partner with us, the idea is dead.  There is an enormous amount of learning yet to do about this possible project and this possible funding source.  If we decide that it is feasible, we will bring it to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.  That discussion is a long way off. I am hesitant to consider this anything beyond a management idea – it is surely not ready for Board consideration”.

A draft grant application has been distributed to potential project partners to determine whether there is enough support to move forward with a formal submission.

If the project moves forward, Virginia American Water would likely be one of its primary beneficiaries. Spuck said the improvements would increase the capacity of the Cape Charles wastewater treatment plant by approximately 250,000 gallons per day.

During the discussion, supervisors also asked whether the EDA grant could be used to support decentralized wastewater systems rather than expanding centralized infrastructure. Spuck responded that the grant program appears to be a stronger fit for projects that expand existing public treatment facilities.

The proposed sewer extension aligns with Northampton County’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure along the Route 13 corridor, where officials have identified a shortage of water and sewer service as one of the primary constraints on future economic development. Extending centralized wastewater service could make additional commercial and industrial sites viable while supporting future job creation and private investment.

The county has not yet submitted a formal grant application, and project details, costs, and potential timelines remain under development as discussions continue with Virginia American Water and other partners.

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Wayne Creed

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