North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced a significant investment in the state's water infrastructure, pledging over $204 million to improve drinking water and wastewater systems across 27 counties. This decision stands to benefit 48 projects that target a range of concerns from aging pipelines to contamination issues, as reported by the Governor's press release. "When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family," Governor Stein asserted, highlighting the initiative's core objective of ensuring public health and safety.
The Department of Environmental Quality Secretary, Reid Wilson, echoed the governor's commitment to clean water access. "This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small," the Governor noted in a statement underscoring the plan's comprehensive reach. Among the funded projects, the Town of Bryson City is slated for a $9.2 million infusion towards wastewater treatment enhancements, and the City of Graham is on the docket for $3.4 million to better its water treatment facility against emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Several other significant projects have been lined up to receive financial support. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission will benefit from a substantial $20.5 million boost for its GAC facility, whereas the Town of River Bend is looking at a $6.3 million allocation for Phase II drinking water enhancements. The distribution of funds was decided by the State Water Infrastructure Authority after careful consideration of 133 eligible applications, totaling a request for $1.57 billion, as detailed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality website.
State Revolving Funds, buttressed by federal capitalization grants and loan repayments, will furnish the low-interest loans that may include partial forgiveness. This round of funding is uniquely inclusive of money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for tackling PFAS contamination and lead pipe replacement concerns. The Division of Water Infrastructure also gears up for a future funding round starting next Tuesday, inviting applications for a variety of existing programs targeting not only contaminants and lead pipes but also viability of utility systems through Viable Utility Reserve grants.
In response to Hurricane Helene's impact, additional resources will be directed towards community resilience initiatives. Supplemental appropriations from the 2025 American Relief Act will be allocated on a rolling basis to support infrastructure recovery in affected areas. Training for the Fall 2025 funding round application process will be made accessible both in-person, across six locations, and virtually, offering potential applicants comprehensive guidance. A recording of these trainings will find a home on the Division's training web page for ease of access.
