Governor Josh Stein has announced a significant funding initiative, allocating over $204 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 27 counties in North Carolina. This funding will support 48 projects aimed at enhancing water infrastructure, addressing contaminants like PFAS, replacing lead pipes, and improving resilience to future storms.
“When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes.”
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson also emphasized the importance of this initiative. “At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” he stated. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”
Some notable projects receiving funds include improvements to the wastewater treatment plant in Bryson City with $9.2 million from Clean Water State Revolving Funds and enhancements to the Little Champion Gravity Sewer and Pump Station in Waynesville with $8.2 million. The City of Graham will receive $3.4 million for its Water Treatment Plant improvements under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
In total, NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 eligible applications requesting $1.57 billion in funding. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved these awards on July 16, which are funded through State Revolving Funds including IIJA contributions.
The Division of Water Infrastructure is preparing for its Fall 2025 funding round starting July 29, with applications due by September 30. This upcoming round aims to address similar issues including PFAS contamination and lead service line replacement.
Further details about the projects and training opportunities can be found on the NCDEQ website.
