An assembler of irrigation systems is the latest manufacturer in the state to fall victim to the prolonged recession.

Hunter Industries has notified the state Department of Commerce that it will shut down its Cary facility this year and lay off 76 people.

The planned closure was forced by economic conditions as the company is consolidating operations at its corporate headquarters in California.

The privately held company selected Cary in 1990 for its East Coast manufacturing and distribution site and began operations here in 1992.

Hunter Industries, founded in 1981, specializes in professional irrigation systems for landscape contractors and golf courses. It employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, according to its Web site.

Cary plant gets federal funds

WASHINGTON Federal money is headed to the area for improved wastewater treatment.

As part of a bill that will provide $3.6 billion in clean water projects across the country, the Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facility in Cary is expected to receive $1 million. The money will help Wake County and the towns of Apex, Cary and Morrisville meet state requirements for returning reclaimed water to the Cape Fear River.

The money will help maintain a safe and adequate drinking water supply and wastewater treatment capacity in the Triangle, according to a statement from by U.S. Rep. David Price.

He also helped secure $500,000 for a future water treatment facility in Raleigh.

The funding was part of a negotiated House-Senate compromise on the Department of Interior Appropriations bill.

Cary Parkway work continues

CARY The town will continue work this week on both directions of Southwest Cary Parkway from Kildaire Farm Road to High House Road.

Motorists can expect periodic lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and overnight from through Friday.

At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

In case of inclement weather, the work will be postponed to the following weekday.

The work is necessary as part of the Cary Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

Fundraising for student continues

CARY Earlier this year, a community group launched an effort to raise $115,000 to offset the medical expenses of Marie Neal, an Athens Drive High School student who was diagnosed this year with a rare and potentially deadly liver disorder.

The group -- friends from the Neals' church, Saint Francis United Methodist in Cary, Athens High and N.C. State University, where Marie's father is a professor -- held fundraisers at a Chick-fil-A.

Together with potluck dinners, concerts, golf tournaments and plant sales, the chicken feeds have helped the group surpass its $115,000 goal, according to chairman Jim Brack.

Though Marie's condition has stabilized, she will need a liver transplant when a suitable donor is found.

Even with her father's insurance through the university, the group estimates the additional fundraising will be needed to cover co-payments and unforeseen expenses.

For more information, visit cotaformarien.com.

Compiled from News & Observer and Cary News staff reports