North Carolina invests $253 million in water, wastewater infrastructure
(UI) — Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will allocate over $253 million to enhance drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure across the state. The funds will support 70 projects in 30 counties, focusing on emerging contaminants and lead service line replacements.
"Strong water and wastewater systems are vital for safe drinking water and economic development," said Governor Cooper. "Thanks to federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration and state appropriations we’ve made historic investments to rebuild and replace aging systems, especially in rural communities, which will make our state stronger."
DEQ Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser emphasized the benefits of these projects, highlighting improvements in water quality and infrastructure resilience.
Key projects include:
- Fayetteville Public Works Commission will receive $30 million for a PFAS treatment facility.
- Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority will receive $2.16 million for PFAS treatment.
- Town of Beech Mountain will receive $10 million for a water system improvement project.
- Junaluska Sanitary District will receive $9.5 million for water line rehabilitation.
- City of Asheboro will receive $500,000 for a PFAS planning study.
- City of Sanford will receive $5 million for sewer rehabilitation.
- Town of Ayden will receive $1.4 million for sewer improvements.
- City of Eden will receive $7.2 million for basin repairs.
- Gates County will receive $1.3 million for Buckland School wastewater improvements and $2.8 million for Cooper School wastewater improvements.
- Orange Water and Sewer Authority will receive $3.25 million for lead service line replacements.
Additional funding will go to distressed local government units for asset inventory and assessment grants to aid future viability.
The Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 221 applications from 65 counties, requesting $2.64 billion. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards on July 16. A complete list of funded projects is available on the Department of Environmental Quality website.
Funding sources include state revolving funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, state reserves, the Viable Utilities Reserve, the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program, and the Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments fund. Projects funded by the Viable Utility Reserve require approval by the Local Government Commission.
The application period for the next funding round opens on July 30 and closes on September 30. Training sessions for applicants will be held statewide and virtually. Details are available on the DEQ website.
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