Governor Josh Stein has announced that 27 counties in North Carolina will receive over $204 million for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The funding aims to improve water systems, address PFAS and other chemicals, replace lead pipes, and enhance resilience against 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.”
“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”
Several notable projects were highlighted:
– Bryson City (Swain County) receives $9.2 million for wastewater treatment improvements.
– Waynesville (Haywood County) receives $8.2 million for sewer and pump station improvements.
– Graham (Alamance County) receives $3.4 million for water treatment plant improvements.
– Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County) receives $20.5 million for a GAC facility.
– River Bend (Craven County) receives $6.3 million for drinking water improvements.
– Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority receives $1 million for PFAS removal filters.
– Lenoir (Caldwell County) receives funds totaling $6.6 million for various projects.
– Lexington (Davidson County) receives $13.7 million for solids handling improvements at its wastewater treatment plant.
– Henderson (Vance County) receives $10.7 million for pump station and force main project.
– Warrenton (Warren County) receives $10 million for wastewater treatment plant improvements.
– Sanford (Lee County) secures funds totaling over $9 million across several projects.
Carolina Water Service, Inc., is allocated a total of $5.5 million across six projects involving PFAS-related work or lead service line identification.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 applications requesting a total of $1.57 billion, with awards approved by the State Water Infrastructure Authority on July 16.
Funding comes from State Revolving Funds, including IIJA funds providing low-interest loans partially forgivable under certain conditions.
The Fall 2025 funding round begins July 29 with applications due by September 30, offering grants through various programs addressing issues like PFAS contamination and utility viability.
In-person training sessions are scheduled at six locations across the state with virtual options available via Webex.
