Miles SmithCommunities across North Carolina will receive more than $253 million in federal and state grant funding for projects to improve drinking water quality and replace aging wastewater infrastructure.
The awards include funds to address emerging contaminants and funds for lead service inventory lines and replacements, the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality said.
The funds will help pay for 70 projects in 30 communities across the state, including 51 construction projects, Gov. Roy Cooper said.
“Strong water and wastewater systems are vital for safe drinking water and economic development,” Cooper said, adding that a significant number of the projects receiving funding were in rural communities.
The DEQ reviewed 221 eligible applications from 65 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, requesting $2.64 billion. The North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards during its July 16 meeting.
Projects include:
- $30 million to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission to build a granulated activated carbon facility to treat emergency contaminants.
- $9.5 million to Junaluska Sanitary District in Haywood County for a low-pressure water line rehabilitation project.
- $5 million to the City of Sanford for the Sanford Third Street Area Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Additionally, local governments designated as distressed will receive grants for planning and inventory. These include the towns of Creswell, Denton, Morven, Ossipee, Rich Square and Snow Hill, along with Gates County, McDowell County and Swan Quarter Sanitary District, the DEQ said.
Photo by Delia Giandeini on Unsplash
