Fairmont Town Manager Secures $11 Million in Grants Over Three Years

Jerome Chestnut has pulled in more than $11 million for Fairmont since he took over as town manager in August 2022. Mayor Charles Kemp said Chestnut landed just over $5 million by the end of 2023, about $1 million in 2024, and close to $5 million in 2025.

Fairmont received $448,000 at the end of February 2023. During those first 16 months, Chestnut's work brought in an average of $334,000 each month.

In 2024, grants included $297,000 from the Department of Justice. That money went toward community cameras and police officer salaries. The Federal Government and Army Corps of Engineers contributed $240,000 to survey and model the Pittman Mill Branch Canal and how it affects flooding.

North Carolina provided $150,000 through the Stream Debris and Removal Program. Workers will use this to remove sediment. The NC Land and Water Fund awarded $55,000 to redesign the Holly Street and Pine Street intersection.

Most 2025 grants will go toward fixing and upgrading the sewer system. This includes repairs to the wastewater treatment plant and improvements at two lift stations. The fire department received around $9,000 for equipment and supplies.

Plans for 2026 involve more than $10 million in sewer repairs throughout Fairmont. The town expects to begin and finish a $3 million town hall. There's also $20,000 set aside to create a youth center and $10,000 for new sidewalk projects.

"We also have $20 million in pending applications for Water and Wastewater Improvements, Housing Reconstruction, and Economic Development Grants at the State and Federal levels," Kemp said, per The Robesonian, "with results expected to be released after the beginning of the year."