$16M Helene Relief Fuels Critical Wastewater Infrastructure and Economic Rebirth in Canton

Haywood County --  In a pivotal moment for its future, the town of Canton is on a transformative journey, with a $16 million allocation from the latest Hurricane Helene relief package.

This crucial funding, recently signed into law by Governor Josh Stein, is earmarked for the acquisition and redevelopment of a portion of the former Pactiv Evergreen paper mill site, paving the way for a state-of-the-art, flood-proof wastewater treatment plant.

For generations, the heartbeat of Canton was linked to its paper mill, which not only provided livelihoods but also handled the town's wastewater treatment free of charge. That long-standing arrangement concluded with the mill's closure in 2023 and its subsequent acquisition. The town has since been paying Spirtas Worldwide, the new owners, a significant $140,000 monthly for wastewater services – an unsustainable cost for a community still reeling from economic shifts and natural disaster.

The need for a new facility became glaringly urgent after Hurricane Helene unleashed unprecedented flooding on September 27, 2024, severely impacting the existing wastewater treatment plant located on the mill property. This $16 million investment is a direct response to that vulnerability, designed to secure Canton's essential infrastructure by building a resilient plant outside the flood zone.

"We've been working tirelessly for years to secure our own wastewater treatment capabilities," stated Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. "This funding from the Helene bill is more than just money for a plant; it's the final piece of a complex puzzle that allows Canton to control its own destiny and truly begin its next chapter."

The town plans to use approximately $14 million of the relief package to purchase the west side of the 185-acre former mill property from Spirtas Worldwide and Two Banks Development. This acquisition is part of a broader, long-term vision, as the new wastewater treatment plant will also benefit from an additional $38 million in previously allocated funds for its construction. While the property purchase is anticipated within the coming months, the construction of the new, modern facility could take up to seven years. In the interim, necessary renovations will be made to the old plant to ensure continuous service.

Beyond critical infrastructure, this strategic acquisition holds immense promise for Canton's economic revival. The purchased property includes over 150,000 square feet of resilient warehouse space that did not flood during Hurricane Helene. Mayor Smathers envisions this space attracting new manufacturing jobs, leveraging its access to rail and Interstate 40 to re-establish Canton as a hub for industry.

The former Pactiv Evergreen mill, a cornerstone of the community for 115 years, officially ceased operations in May 2023. Its eventual sale to demolition and redevelopment specialists Spirtas Worldwide (in partnership with Two Banks Development) was finalized on January 10, 2025, but only after a protracted legal battle. Spirtas initially hesitated after Hurricane Helene's destructive impact on the site, leading to a lawsuit from Pactiv Evergreen and a counterclaim. The resolution of this dispute ultimately paved the way for the current redevelopment plans.

Spirtas Worldwide and Two Banks Development are committed to transforming the entire 185-acre mill property into a mixed-use site, integrating industrial, commercial, and even residential elements. Their vision aligns with Canton's determination to rise from the challenges of the past and build a diversified, prosperous future.

With this substantial relief package, Canton is not merely rebuilding from a storm; it is laying the groundwork for a new era of self-sufficiency, economic growth, and community resilience. The new wastewater treatment plant symbolizes more than just essential infrastructure; it represents a bold step towards an independent and vibrant future for this tenacious Western North Carolina town.

WNCTimes

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