North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has announced that more than $265 million will be allocated to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the state. This funding will cover 99 projects in 45 counties, addressing issues such as emerging contaminants like PFAS and the replacement of lead pipes.

"When we invest in our infrastructure, we build a stronger and safer state for every North Carolinian," said Governor Josh 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 emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, "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."

Several notable projects were highlighted in the announcement:

- Kings Mountain (Gaston County) is set to receive $2 million for a lead and copper service line replacement project.

- The Town of Fair Bluff (Columbus County) will get $1 million to construct a well outside the 500-year floodplain.

- Nags Head (Dare County) has been awarded $500,000 for septic system repairs under a pilot program.

- New Hanover County is slated to receive $3 million for installing water lines.

- River Bend (Craven County) will receive $10.4 million for improvements to water treatment systems.

- Columbus County Water District IV is granted $15 million for various water supply enhancements.

- Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District (Halifax County) receives $5 million to address PFAS contamination.

- Bessemer City (Gaston County) gets $2.5 million for replacing galvanized water service lines.

A comprehensive list of all funded projects can be found on the Department of Environmental Quality's website.

The Division of Water Infrastructure at NCDEQ reviewed 203 eligible applications totaling requests worth $1.63 billion, with final approvals made by the State Water Infrastructure Authority during its February 19 meeting.

Funding sources include several revolving loan funds, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, Drinking Water and Wastewater State Reserves, Viable Utilities Reserve, and Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program funds. Some projects require approval from the Local Government Commission.

Applications for Spring 2025 funding open on March 4 and close on April 30. Training sessions are available both in-person statewide between March 4–12 and through a recorded virtual option.

The State Water Infrastructure Authority is responsible for awarding federal and state funding related to water infrastructure projects. NCDEQ also offers emergency funding options following damages from Tropical Storm Helene in western North Carolina.