Guilford County officials consider regional approach to water needs amid projected economic growth

Guilford County officials are calling for a more collaborative approach to water infrastructure to benefit from projected economic growth.

Investments from the likes of Boom Supersonic and the Toyota megasite are expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area. They were two of the economic developments officials discussed the impact of at the Guilford County Board of Commissioners' recent annual retreat.

Assistant County Manager Erris Dunston said water resources are an important component for the needed housing to match this growth.

"If we're sending people to live in other counties we're not fully actualizing those investments as an economic development driver here in Guilford County," Dunston said.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan said at the retreat Greensboro is willing to be good partners in sharing, but it has to balance its own needs including its limited sewer capacity.

"We have to make sure that we will be compensated accordingly, and that the city of Greensboro won't be responsible for the growth in other municipalities when we foot the bill," Vaughan said.

A regional water study conducted by the state is expected to be completed in May.