Governor Josh Stein announced on Apr. 16 that more than $215 million will be distributed to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 26 counties in North Carolina. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved funding for 66 projects, with about $196 million directed to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
The announcement is significant as it addresses the urgent need for resilient and safe water systems, especially in areas impacted by natural disasters. Access to reliable water is a key concern for public health and community stability.
“People need to have access to clean, reliable water,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help rebuild infrastructure more resilient so families can count on safe water, especially when disaster strikes.”
The State Water Infrastructure Authority and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality have now allocated a total of $861 million from federal and state sources to repair, rebuild, and strengthen drinking water and wastewater systems damaged by Helene. The funds are also intended to improve existing systems so they can better withstand future storms. NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson said, “The projects awarded will address some of our state’s most pressing current needs: repairing vital water systems that were damaged by Helene to make them less vulnerable to future storms, conducting studies of dangerous forever chemicals such as PFAS, and replacing lead pipes that can cause numerous health issues. Every dollar will support the health and economic vitality of our communities.”
Some notable awards include nearly $4.9 million for Black Mountain’s Drinking Water System Resiliency Improvements Project in Buncombe County; $8 million for Morganton’s Drinking Water Resiliency Improvements Project in Burke County; $10 million each for Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority’s plant expansion project and Gastonia’s Drinking Water Supply Resiliency Project; as well as several other grants supporting both storm recovery efforts and long-term improvements.
Funding comes from multiple sources including Supplemental Appropriation funds related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Hawai’i Wildfires (“SRF Helene”), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), emerging contaminant study funds, lead service line replacement programs, as well as Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program allocations.
According to the official website, the Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves the entire state. The office executes state laws as chief executive while leading the Council of State according to its official website. Josh Stein has served as North Carolina’s 76th governor according to official information.
Despite these awards totaling over $861 million since September 2025—including all federal disaster funds allotted through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—there remains an estimated $655 million in critical needs requests following Hurricane Helene that are still unfunded.
Looking ahead, officials say every funded project aims not only at immediate repairs but also at building stronger infrastructure capable of withstanding future challenges.
