Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Henry Tyson joined regional partners, infrastructure leaders and economic development stakeholders on Thursday, March 26 for an Economic Development Infrastructure Summit hosted by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC).
The summit brought together representatives from transportation, utilities, and local governments to align priorities and identify coordinated strategies to support future growth across Cumberland County and the region.
Chairman deViere emphasized that the summit marks a shift from discussion to action, focused on ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with economic opportunity.
“We have real growth coming, but in too many areas, the infrastructure is not keeping pace,” said Chairman deViere in a press release. “This summit is about alignment. It brings our partners together to connect every road, water line, and investment to a shared vision for growing this community.”
Discussions centered on key economic corridors, including I-95 and Highways 401, 24, and 87, as well as the critical role of water, sewer, energy, and transportation infrastructure in supporting job creation and long-term development.
Chairman deViere highlighted that gaps in infrastructure capacity are already impacting the County’s ability to attract and retain economic opportunities.
“Water and sewer capacity gaps are costing us deals, costing us jobs, and limiting access to clean water for families,” he said in a press release. “No single entity solves this alone, but together, we can move faster and deliver results.”
The summit builds on priorities outlined in the Chairman’s 2026 State of the County Address, which emphasized a coordinated, corridor-based approach to infrastructure investment and a commitment to expanding access to clean, safe, regulated drinking water across the community.
County leaders and partners focused on identifying specific opportunities for collaboration, with the goal of leaving the summit with clear next steps and shared commitments.
“The opportunity in front of us is real,” deViere concluded. “The question is whether we choose to move forward together. Today is about making that decision and turning it into action.”
The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations. Photo provided by the G
Fuel to Serve will go “beyond the dining hall,” using food and shared meals as trusted entry points to link families with a broader network of resources. Photo courtesy of USAA.USAA and the Robert Irvine Foundation recently announced Fuel to Serve. T
Yes, those are decorations currently in my home. Yes, I may have spent more money than average for two oversized mums that are taking up way too much space on my porch, and yes, I may have stood my ground in a Lowe’s hardware store arguing with my hu
