The City of Statesville held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to officially kick off construction on a major waterline replacement project that will modernize the city’s aging infrastructure and improve water service reliability for the community.

The event took place at the Statesville Water Treatment Plant and was attended by City Council members, Mayor Costi Kutteh, city staff, and representatives from Highfill Infrastructure Engineering and State Utility Contractors.

The project includes the replacement of approximately 29,500 linear feet (5.7 miles) of cast iron waterlines, originally installed in the 1940s. These lines run from the Water Treatment Plant to Iredell Memorial Gardens along US-21 South. The upgrade will replace outdated pipes with new 12-inch and 20-inch waterlines, improving system efficiency and reducing the risk of water main breaks and service disruptions.

“This is a foundational investment in our city’s future,” said Mayor Kutteh. “Clean, reliable water is essential, and this project ensures our system is ready to serve our growing community for decades to come.”

The estimated $25.8 million project is being funded through a combination of local and state sources, including the City of Statesville and a grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure using ARPA funding.

Construction begins this month and is expected to be completed by September 2026. The City will keep residents and businesses informed throughout the project and will issue advance notice for any lane closures or construction impacts in specific areas.