Governor Stein’s $3.5 Million Initiative Enhances Canton’s Water Infrastructure
In a significant move to bolster the resilience of water infrastructure, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Canton, North Carolina, to highlight the impact of a $3.5 million funding allocation. This investment from the State Water Infrastructure Authority aims to provide Canton residents with access to clean drinking water and strengthen wastewater systems against future storms.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of such measures, stating, “Families deserve to turn on the tap to clean and safe water. When the next storm hits, we need to minimize its impacts so families can remain connected to water.”
With the State Water Infrastructure Authority funding 217 projects across mountain communities, DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson noted, “Canton’s wastewater system improvements are a great example of how these projects will make systems more resilient to future floods. That’s incredibly important for protecting public health and supporting strong local economies.”
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers praised the initiative, acknowledging the leadership of Governor Stein and his administration in enhancing the region’s water infrastructure, which is crucial not only for clean water but for flood mitigation, public safety, and economic growth.
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene over a year and a half ago, efforts have been made to restore water systems in western North Carolina. The Department of Environmental Quality has allocated over $860 million for water infrastructure projects, and 97% of affected systems have been restored. In April, Governor Stein announced $215 million for 66 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 26 counties. Canton benefited with $3.5 million from Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Helene funds for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Interconnect Project.
Governor Stein’s administration has propelled over $1.6 billion in water infrastructure initiatives since his tenure began, focusing on strengthening systems and removing contaminants like PFAS. Recently, he introduced his budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, which includes $25 million in grants for contaminated wells and distressed systems, $45 million in federal matching funds for clean water, and $4 million for expanded PFAS testing.
In his tenure as Attorney General, Stein took legal action against companies like DuPont and Chemours for PFAS contamination, with ongoing cases in the courts.
Governor Stein underscored the urgency for more state and federal aid, noting that while $861 million has been awarded to repair systems damaged by Hurricane Helene, $655 million in needs remain unfunded. He has called on Congress to allocate an additional $13.5 billion for recovery, including $540 million from the EPA for water quality and infrastructure improvements. Despite this, Congress has not provided new funding for Hurricane Helene recovery in nearly 18 months.
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