North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein has announced that over $265 million will be allocated to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across North Carolina. This funding, which includes loans and grants, will support 99 projects in 45 counties. The initiative aims to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS and the replacement of lead pipes.

"When we invest in our infrastructure, we build a stronger and safer state for every North Carolinian," stated Governor Stein. "This funding will help ensure more North Carolinians have access to safe and clean drinking water and will strengthen our communities for decades to come."

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson added, "Every family expects and deserves clean water when they turn on the tap. These investments will provide critical infrastructure to help improve public health and quality of life for North Carolinians in communities large and small across our state."

Among the notable projects receiving funds:

- Kings Mountain in Gaston County is set to receive $2 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Drinking Water funds for a lead and copper service line replacement project.

- Fair Bluff in Columbus County will get $1 million from Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds for constructing a well outside the 500-year floodplain.

- Nags Head in Dare County is awarded $500,000 from Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds for septic system repairs.

- New Hanover County receives $3 million from the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program to install new water lines.

- River Bend in Craven County secures $10.4 million from Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds for improvements to its water treatment systems.

- Columbus County Water District IV is granted $15 million to extend waterlines serving over 500 residences.

- Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District gets $5 million for PFAS removal facilities.

- Bessemer City receives $2.5 million for replacing galvanized water service lines.

The full list of funded projects can be found on the Department of Environmental Quality website.

The NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 203 applications totaling requests of $1.63 billion. The awards were approved by the State Water Infrastructure Authority on February 19.

Funding sources include various state revolving loan funds, federal law allocations, reserves, and grant programs. Upcoming funding applications open March 4 through April 30 with training sessions available.

The State Water Infrastructure Authority manages federal and state funding distribution while NCDEQ handles emergency funding requests related to storm damage repair efforts.