Fayetteville expands sewer aid to cover current $5,000 assessment for qualifying homeowners
Fayetteville has expanded its Utility Connection Assistance Program so qualifying homeowners in approved areas may avoid the current $5,000 Fayetteville Public Works Commission assessment and receive up to $1,000 toward eligible private sewer-connection work.
The city announced the change July 27, raising the household-income ceiling to 120% of area median income. The assistance is limited to owner-occupied residential properties in annexation areas and City Council-approved utility-extension projects, including areas tied to the Phase V sewer program.
Who may qualify
Applicants must own and occupy the property as their primary residence, and the home must be in an approved utility-extension area. Applicants also must be current on property taxes, meet the household-income limit, have no more than $50,000 in liquid assets and not have previously received assistance through the program.
The city’s posted annual income limits range from $68,775 for a one-person household to $129,750 for an eight-person household. The city says heirs’ property and estate-related situations may be considered with approval from the Economic and Community Development director or designee.
Meeting the income limit does not guarantee approval. The city reviews the household, property and program requirements before assistance is awarded.
What the assistance covers
For an approved applicant, the program will cover the current $5,000 PWC utility assessment. It also provides up to $1,000 toward eligible private connection expenses completed by a licensed plumber.
The private-work assistance is limited to qualifying costs. Homeowners should confirm with the city which expenses are eligible and whether any remaining balance will be their responsibility before arranging work.
The $5,000 figure is the current PWC assessment described by the city. It is not a permanent citywide charge, and it does not mean every property or future project will have the same assessment.
Phase V sewer work continues through 2037
The assistance expansion comes as Fayetteville’s Phase V sewer work continues. The city and PWC established the project through a 2008 agreement covering approximately 8,000 parcels that initially lacked sanitary sewer service.
Construction began in 2010 and is scheduled to continue through 2037. PWC says project areas are prioritized based on factors including septic-system failures, infrastructure age, sewer availability and development density.
PWC manages the design and construction process, property-owner notifications and collection of assessments on the city’s behalf. Property owners receive notices at key stages, including preliminary assessment and connection notifications.
A March 2026 preliminary notice for PWC’s Area 30 Section I project said most typical single-family residential lots were expected to receive a $5,000 assessment, but it also stated that assessments would not be billed until utility service was installed and another public hearing was held. That notice was preliminary and project-specific, not a final bill.
How to ask about eligibility
Homeowners can contact Fayetteville Economic and Community Development at 910-433-1590 to apply or schedule an appointment with program staff.
Questions about PWC assessments and the Phase V project can be directed to Fayetteville PWC at 910-483-1382.
Residents who receive a sewer project notice should contact the city before assuming that an assessment or private hookup expense will be covered. Eligibility depends on the approved project area, owner-occupancy, household income, liquid assets, tax status and prior participation.
Sources
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