Charlotte Will Pay for Smithville Water Upgrades

The Charlotte City Council this week unanimously approved an agreement with the Town of Cornelius to advance the Smithville Water System Improvements Project, clearing the way for coordinated infrastructure work in the Smithville neighborhood.

The agreement authorizes Charlotte Water to lead construction of key water system upgrades while Cornelius undertakes a parallel roadway improvements project in the same area. By aligning the timelines and scope of both efforts, officials said the joint approach will reduce disruptions for residents and improve overall project efficiency.

Under the terms of the agreement, the city will reimburse Cornelius for the actual cost of water system construction completed as part of the broader project. The water infrastructure portion is estimated at $3 million and will be funded through the city’s capital investment plan.

City staff said the partnership reflects a coordinated strategy to modernize aging infrastructure while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community. The resolution authorizes the city manager, or a designee, to finalize and execute the agreement and approve reimbursement requests as work progresses.