Make no mistake about where Senator Tom McInnis stands on Fuquay-Varina’s attempt to transfer millions of gallons of water from the Cape Fear River Basin into the Neuse River Basin. His letter to Environmental Management Commission Chairman John Solomon made his position clear, as did the dozens of elected officials and citizens from Fayetteville and Cumberland County who attended the DEQ public hearing on this issue at FTCC on Dec. 4. For those of us residing downstream from Sanford to Wilmington, this proposal is a non-starter. Logic should prevail.
However, I remain skeptical about the outcome because the next two public hearings are scheduled in Wake County, and we have no clear understanding of where the Environmental Management Commission’s 15-member board resides. It is doubtful that any of them were appointed from the areas that will be mostly and directly affected. It is my understanding that the EMC board is composed of highly qualified, reasonable citizens with expertise in medicine, agriculture, engineering, conservation, groundwater, air and water pollution control, and municipal government. With that level of intellectual expertise, one must question how this interbasin transfer request advanced to this stage. It is my hope—and that of tens of thousands of citizens across southeastern North Carolina—that the final decision will be based only on science, economics, and environmentally sound principles, rather than backroom partisan politics. I was among the dozens of speakers who voiced opposition to the IBT at FTCC. I have included my comments along with those of Senator McInnis. I urge all citizens to make their voices heard on this issue. Say NO to the IBT. Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s future depends on it.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.
— Bill Bowman, Publisher

Sen. Tom Mcinnis's letter to John Solomon, Environmental Management Commission Chairman 

Chairman Solomon,
I am writing this letter in my official capacity as the elected NC Senator for District 21, representing all of Moore County and most of Cumberland County, excluding the City of Fayetteville. It has come to my attention that the City of Fuquay-Varina is requesting a transfer of over 6 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River and, after using said water, to return it to the Neuse River, which is a totally different basin.
I am totally against such a transfer due to the fact that said water would be taken from one basin and returned to a totally different basin. This will have a negative impact on the citizens and taxpayers who rely on the water flow of the Cape Fear River downstream from the taking location.
In the event that the removal, use, and return could be accompanied in the same river, I would certainly entertain a softening of my position.
As the current request is made, I remain fully opposed to such a transfer proposal. Regards,
Senator Tom Mclnnis
District 21: Cumberland and Moore Counties

Bill Bowman's remarks during the Dec. 4 hearing at FTCC
For over 30 years, Up & Coming Weekly has watched Fayetteville and Cumberland County transition into a vibrant, culturally rich community. We have celebrated milestones, honored traditions, and seen our citizens and leaders work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for families across this county.
Reality Check
But let’s be honest: despite our progress, Cumberland County still lags behind our neighboring counties in population growth, economic development, and overall quality of life. That is not a criticism of our leadership — in fact, we have strong, visionary County Commissioners and civic leaders in place today who are determined to close that gap. It is simply a reality we must acknowledge if we are serious about building a brighter future.
That is why the proposed interbasin transfer — moving million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin — is so alarming.
Water is not just a resource; it is the lifeblood of growth, prosperity, and community well-being. Removing this volume of water from our basin threatens to undermine everything we have worked for.
This diversion could reduce clean drinking water for residents and businesses in the Cape Fear Basin, and weaken our ability to attract growth and compete with our neighbors. It will have a detrimental impact on the environment by disrupting water quality, river flows, and wildlife habitats from Sanford to Wilmington.
Besides, State rules require exploring options within the receiving basin first — to my knowledge, this hasn’t been done.
This is not just about water. It is about our future. It is about whether Cumberland County will have the tools it needs to finally catch up — and surpass — our neighbors in quality of life, economic opportunity, and community growth.
We cannot allow decisions made outside our county to jeopardize the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
“This water transfer threatens our supply, our economy, our environment, and our future — Cumberland County cannot afford to give away its lifeblood.
So tonight, I want you to know that we stand united in the realization that if we lose control of our water, we lose control of our future. And Cumberland County’s future is far too important to give away. Thank you.

(Photo: Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair, Kirk deViere, was among those who spoke at a Dec. 4 hearing regarding an interbasin transfer request from Fuquay-Varina. All but one attendee at the hearing were vehemently opposed to the request. Photo courtesy of PWC's Facebook Page)