The past several years, beginning in the late 80s. has been rather like a tale of two cities - Belhaven has had some of the "worst of times" with seven hurricanes causing millions of dollars in property damage, closed businesses and lost jobs - and the "best of times" with the amazing restoration of structures and infrastructure by the aggressive pursuit of grants from every imaginable source - government or private - by the Town Council and City Manager.

As this is written, February 4, 2004, 330 houses have either been raised above the flood plain or replaced using a $10,500,000 Storm Mitigation Grant from FEMA, the largest in the history of the program - and an additional $2,800,000 from other sources.

The projects listed below, which were paid for by funds received from grants and supplemental town funds, will better serve citizens and put the town in a much improved position to provide required services to other entities that might be considering investments in Belhaven:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant: $2,700,000 project which doubled the treatment capacity and allowed North East Elementary School, Northside High School and the Delta City Community to receive sewer service. This project went online in May 2001.
  
  
• Electricity Upgrades: Electrical Lines, Transformers and Electrical Power Services have been improved throughout Belhaven. The system was upgraded from a 2400 volt system to a 7200 volt system at a value estimated at $500,000. This project was completed in 2001.
  
  
• New Water Treatment System: $3,400,000 project with above ground storage tank of 200,000 gallons, distribution lines - including much improved fire hydrant locations and capacity, and a reverse osmosis treatment plant. This project went online in July 2003.
  



• Wildlife Boat Ramp: This project was orchestrated by Town officials and today is valued at $100,000. The $70,000 cost to build the ramp was paid for with a $50,000 grant from North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and $20,000 from the town.

One significant benefit to our citizens as a result of these projects has been an 18% decrease in flood insurance and a 35% decrease in all residential fire insurance.

Other Town Supported Initiatives

• Belhaven Public Library received strong municipal support with property expansion, procurement of state monies and administration of this $500,000 project. The town received a $354,270 grant to aid this project.



• The John A. Wilkinson Historic Building was saved by community effort. The town was supportive of this effort.



• Waterfront and the Downtown Clean-Up Development is being promoted by Town officials. Purchases of the Belhaven Fish and Oyster site and Tarkington Properties are a couple of examples.
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• The Waterfront Improvement Study is completed and is the process of being implemented. It is estimated that successful completion of this plan would bring $200,000,000 in investments and many job opportunities for the Belhaven Area.