North Carolina is set to see a major boost in its water infrastructure thanks to a substantial financial injection announced by Governor Josh Stein. More than $265 million will be funneled into key projects across the state, with an emphasis on improving drinking water and wastewater systems. This move is poised to benefit residents in 45 counties, underscoring the government's commitment to public health and safety.
According to a recent release from the Governor's office, this round of funding is set to support the construction and rehabilitation of 99 vital projects. Grants and loans combined are designed to specifically target emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, and to help to replace lead pipes, which present a significant risk to drinking water. "When we invest in our infrastructure, we build a stronger and safer state for every North Carolinian," Governor Stein stated. He expressed that these initiatives would "help ensure more North Carolinians have access to safe and clean drinking water" and reinforce community resilience in the long term, as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
Notably, Gaston County's Kings Mountain will use $2 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Drinking Water funds to replace lead and copper service lines, while Columbus County's Fair Bluff is set to construct a new well with $1 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, relocation being necessitated by previous hurricane damage. Meanwhile, Dare County's Nags Head will benefit from $500,000 to repair faulty residential septic systems, marking the first award from the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Pilot Program. The announcement further detailed initiatives, including New Hanover County's $3 million investment in water line extensions and Craven County’s River Bend's $10.4 million water treatment improvements.
The scale of demand is reflected in the 203 eligible applications the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) reviewed, which combined, requested over $1.63 billion in assistance. While not all needs can be immediately met, the awarded projects represent a critical step forward. The State Water Infrastructure Authority, which holds primary responsibility for awarding these funds, approved the awards in a Wednesday meeting, underscoring the government’s intent to commence these much-needed upgrades. The NCDEQ administers not just routine funding, but also emergency funds meant to help communities struck by disasters, as is the case with those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
Funding sources cover a broad spectrum, from State Revolving Loan Funds to grants, ensuring a diversified investment in North Carolina's water infrastructure. "Every family expects and deserves clean water when they turn on the tap," said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, emphasizing the fundamental right to clean water. Local government entities looking forward to the next round of funding applications, which open on March 4, can avail themselves of training sessions running between March 4 and March 12 providing necessary guidance, as per details from the North Carolina Office of the Governor's website.
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