North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced that 249 infrastructure projects in 80 communities and counties across the state will receive a cut of $462.9 million in funding for clean water upgrades.
While the state generally spends $200 million annually for its water systems, this time, North Carolina is investing $2.3 billion over two years towards the upgrade of its drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, made possible through the federal funds flowing into the state from the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
WAVY further reported:
Governor Cooper said, “Thanks to investments initiated by the Biden administration, we can make a once-in-a-generation transformation in rebuilding water infrastructure for towns and counties throughout our state.”
The new round of funding was announced at the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, where $27.9 million was granted to create a new dewatering facility that will provide sewer lines throughout Davidson County. In Jackson County, Governor Cooper and Secretary Biser toured the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority in Cullowhee. The authority will receive $4,130,000 for a drinking water treatment plant clearwell and a high-service pump replacement.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) received 649 applications from 91 of North Carolina’s 100 counties for this round of funding and reconsidered applications from Spring 2022. In total, 734 applications were considered for funding, representing more than $3.5 billion. The awards are funded by a portion of $2.3 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act, State Revolving Funds, and Community Development Block Grant funding.
