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3-1
SECTION 3
Purpose of and Need for Proposed Infrastructure
The purpose of and need for proposed infrastructure is a function of the Town of
Morrisville’s commitment to its residents. The Town wants to ensure that its infrastructure
plans are commensurate with the projected population of given sections within the Planning
Area. The three main infrastructure elements are wastewater, water, and transportation. The
projects in each area are evaluated against the goals of the Town.
In 2006, the Town completed a water and wastewater
system utility merger with the Town of Cary. To ensure
an orderly expansion of the utility system, the Town will
follow the Town of Cary’s Standard Specifications and
Details Manual for water and wastewater infrastructure.
The Town of Morrisville has developed an Engineering
Design Construction Manual to guide expansion of the
Town’s stormwater infrastructure and development
process. To ensure that adequate future capacity exists at
the proper locations, the Town has developed a Land
Use Plan that serves as the basis for infrastructure
planning (Louis Berger Group, 2009a). The Town’s land
use planning is described in Sections 5 and 6.
The Town grew rapidly in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s,
but growth has slowed in recent years. The population
was estimated to be 251 in 1980, 5,208 in 2000, and 18,576
in 2010 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Population
projections shown in Table 3-1 include about 34,580
residents by the year 2045. The population projections
presented in Table 3-1 are for the Planning Area and
correspond with the Town’s land use plan and the Planning Department projections which
are based on State Demographers Certified Estimates (Town of Morrisville, 2012).
To best meet the needs of residents, protect the environment, and conduct these efforts in a cost-
effective way, the Town of Morrisville is working with the Town of Cary in implementing a
long-range vision for the region. This effort will give the Town a measure with which to guide
development and infrastructure improvements in coordination with its land use planning,
described in Sections 5 and 6.
The Town integrates its transportation and land use plan with its other planning processes.
By integrating its growth management strategies, land use planning strategies, and
transportation plans, and coordinating infrastructure planning with the Town of Cary, the
Town is able to preserve important ecological areas in the form of open space; ensure that its
residents have adequate recreational resources; and meet water, wastewater, and
transportation demands. In addition, proper planning helps ensure that Jordan Lake
drinking water quality is protected.
TABLE 3-1
Town of Morrisville Population Projections
Year
Population
2012
20, 164
1
2014
22,260
2
2020
25,540
1
2025
28,200
1
2030
30,530
1
2035
32,100
1
2040
33,560
1
2045
34,580
1
1
State Demographer Certified
Estimate as of July 1, 2012
2
Town of Morrisville Planning
Department