EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Two Eastern Carolina counties will benefit from statewide funding to go towards water infrastructure upgrades, according to a news release.
Today, Governor Cooper made the announcement that over $253 million dollars will go towards drinking water, wastewater infrastructure and stormwater construction grants. This funding will pay for 70 projects statewide across 30 counties in addition to 51 construction projects.
Per the release, these awards will include emerging contaminants (PFAS) funding and funding for lead service line inventories and replacements.
PFAS are a family of non-regulated man-made chemicals commonly called forever chemicals. They can cause a number of health problems and do not break down.
“Strong water and wastewater systems are vital for safe drinking water and economic development,” said Governor Cooper. “Thanks to federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration and state appropriations we’ve made historic investments to rebuild and replace aging systems, especially in rural communities, which will make our state stronger.”
Both Lenoir County and Pitt County will receive funding for the following projects:
- Lenoir County: Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority will receive $2,160,000 in BIL Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminants funds for a construction project featuring PFAS treatment.
- Pitt County: The Town of Ayden will receive $1,400,000 in Community Development Block Grant- Infrastructure program funds for the Woodcrest Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, July 16 the State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards. In total, 221 applications were reviewed from 65 North Carolina counties.
Funding this round came from the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law DWSRF-Emerging Contaminants fund and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement fund, the Drinking Water and Wastewater State Reserves, the Viable Utilities Reserve, the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program and the Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments fund (for construction projects). Projects funded with Viable Utility Reserve funds are subject to approval by the Local Government Commission, according to the press release.
The upcoming Fall 2024 funding application period is set to open on July 30 and end at 5pm on Sept. 30.