Adams County economic development director reports $5.2 million secured for Winchester wastewater upgrade; Cherry Fork sewer plan advanced

At the Dec. 22, 2025 meeting, Economic Development Director Paul Worley updated the Adams County Board of Commissioners on several infrastructure and economic development matters, including a reported $5.2 million in secured funding to upgrade the Winchester wastewater treatment plant and a plan to provide sewer service to a Cherry Fork resident.

Worley said he met with Cherry Fork resident Chad Shelton to form a written plan for a sewer hookup to Shelton's property and that funding of $5.2 million has been secured for Winchester to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to accommodate future growth and new Cherry Fork sewer lines. He also reported progress on the Adams County Welcome Center (a sidewalk handrail was being installed) and that negotiations continue with The Nature Conservancy regarding the Adams County Natural Lands Working Group.

Worley told the board he will attend a Sprigg Township meeting on Dec. 22, 2025, to continue outreach. Commissioners accepted the update; no vote was recorded on the funding claim beyond the informational briefing in the minutes.

The county will continue negotiating with Winchester and external partners about project scope and implementation details; Worley indicated the funding is in place to support an upgrade but did not present contracts or a formal funding agreement to the board during the meeting.