Public Works Commission

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission began its Centennial celebration on Friday, March 4, the 100th Anniversary of the utility's charter.

North Carolina House of Representatives Margaret Dickson and Marvin Lucas, presented the Board with a proclamation on behalf of the Cumberland County Delegation & a recognition letter from Governor Mike Easley

Fayetteville Mayor Marshall Pitts presented the Board with a framed portrait of Henry Ruffin Horne, the first PWC Chairman.

Jesse Tilton, a member of the American Public Power Association Board of Directors, presented PWC with the APPA's Century Award and a proclamation from the ElectriCities Board of Directors.

Terry Rolan, president-elect of the the American Water Works Association also recognized the Board.

Other PWC Centennial celebration activities include the March 25th Fourth Friday event. PWC present's "Public Works" a public art exhibit open to artists of all ages at the Arts Council downtown and PWC's 100-year history will be told through displays & video at 201 Hay Street. Several downtown merchants will also participate in the celebration, utilizing the turn of the century theme and actors will depict prominent figures of 1905.

PWC has several Centennial projects planned for 2005 including the planting of 100 trees along the Fayetteville Dogwood Trail and the preservation of the Fountainhead Spring, one of Fayetteville's three original water sources.

PWC was created on March 4, 1905, through an act of the State Legislature to manage, operate and supervise the three utilities - electric, water and sanitary sewer. The legislative act stipulated that Fayetteville's Board of Aldermen (which is now our City Council) appoint Commissioners oversee the utility's operations.

PWC provides utility services to more than 60% of Cumberland County and operates the largest municipal electric utility in North Carolina and the 37th largest (of more than 2000) in the nation.

PWC's water services extend to Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Stedman, Eastover and Hoke County. PWC maintains the distinction of being the first utility in North Carolina to be recognized with the Partnership for Safe Drinking Water's Director's Award for outstanding commitment to quality water treatment.

Wilson Lacy, Terri Union, Luis Olivera and Mike Lallier are PWC's current board members and Steve Blanchard has served as PWC's CEO/General manager since 1994.