The Wooten Company at 75: Serving the Needs of the Granite Falls Community

    HICKORY, NC, June 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- While The Wooten Company has assisted numerous communities across North Carolina over its 75 years of existence, one town in which the organization may have had the most significant impact is that of Granite Falls. The Caldwell County town and the Raleigh-based engineering firm have had a unique partnership since the 1970s, and the resulting water and sewer infrastructure developments have aided community development along the Highway 321 corridor.

The Wooten Company, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary as one of the most reputable engineering, planning and architectural firms in North Carolina, assisted the Town of Granite Falls in several capacities early on, but it wasn't until the mid-1980s that it was able to help address the Town's greatest issue. At that time, the Town identified a need for substantial upgrades to the Granite Falls water treatment and wastewater treatment plants. The Wooten Company responded quickly by developing engineering plans for the needed upgrades, as well as other projects that would assist in the Town's growth.

"The Wooten Company has been a valued partner for the Town of Granite Falls for years, and their response to our needs has been more beneficial than we could have ever anticipated," said Granite Falls Mayor Barry Hayes. "They have provided viable solutions that will help us sustain our growth over the coming years."

Over the years, The Wooten Company was able to plan and oversee substantial development and upgrades of the Town's wastewater systems. These included: the replacement of approximately three miles of sewer collection lines at Billy Branch; the installation of sewer lines for approximately 50 low to moderate income properties along Duke Street; and a $1.4 million upgrade of the Town's water treatment plant, which included the addition of a carbon feed system and a new chemical feed building. The Wooten Company also has helped provide water runoff and drainage solutions for residents along North Highland Avenue to prevent frequent flooding and property damage during storm conditions.

As part of a $3 million project, the firm is currently helping to provide a new 1 million gallon elevated water storage tank, as well as approximately 2.5 miles of 12-inch water line. In addition to the design, construction administration and construction observation, The Wooten Company also assisted the Town in securing approximately $2.7 million in grants from various agencies to help fund the project.

These projects have not only resulted in safe and sustainable water treatment systems for the residential community, but also enhanced development for the business community within Granite Falls, including a brand new shopping center that has helped spur tourism and commerce.

"The solutions we provided for the residents of Granite Falls have not only provided a better quality of life for the Town's residents, but they have also provided the groundwork for future development in the business community," said The Wooten Company's Dan Boone. "We are proud of the work we have done with Granite Falls in helping them create a better tomorrow for their residents."

For the Wooten Company, the successful partnership with Granite Falls was one of the reasons the firm opened a branch office in Hickory. With a foothold in the local community, the firm was able to maintain efficient administration of these projects, as well as others in surrounding towns and municipalities.

Over recent years, The Wooten Company has helped other communities near Granite Falls, including: engineering and architecture solutions for a Town Hall building at Rutherford College; upgrades to the wastewater plant at the Town of Valdese; and the expansion of the Town of Cajah's Mountain wastewater collection system, for which the firm helped secure over $1 million in grants. But few communities have been helped more by The Wooten Company than the Town of Granite Falls, where water and wastewater needs were met by some of the most innovative solutions available.

Today, The Wooten Company remembers the projects that helped development in Granite Falls and surrounding communities as it celebrates 75 years of success in providing engineering, planning and architectural services to public and private entities across North Carolina.

The Wooten Company is focused on strategic planning and development of buildings and infrastructure for the people of North Carolina as the state continues to grow in the near future. For more information, please visit The Wooten Company's website at www.thewootencompany.com.

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