AI-assisted summary

Fuquay-Varina is requesting to transfer water from the Cape Fear River basin to meet its future water demands.

Nearly all speakers at a public hearing, including officials and residents, opposed the request unless the water is returned to the same basin.

Opponents raised concerns about negative environmental impacts, increased costs for downstream users, and threats to economic development.

Nearly 200 public officials and some residents packed the Cumberland Hall Auditorium at Fayetteville Technical Community College on Dec. 4 in the first public hearing on Fuquay-Varina's request to transfer water from the Cape Fear River basin and return it to the Neuse River basin.

The state Environmental Management Commission, a 15-member appointed committee that oversees depa

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