North Carolina Commits Over $1 Billion to Water Infrastructure in Western Regions
In a significant move to bolster water infrastructure in western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson announced a milestone achievement of over $1 billion in awarded funds. This initiative comes in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left a substantial impact on the region’s water systems.
Governor Stein expressed pride in the efforts, stating, “Twenty-one months after Hurricane Helene devastated communities throughout western North Carolina, I am proud of the Department of Environmental Quality’s billion-dollar commitment toward ensuring North Carolinians have access to clean and safe water.” The governor highlighted the progress made in restoring clean drinking water to Burnsville, a town severely affected by the hurricane.
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson remarked on the significance of this funding, noting, “It’s an important milestone that DEQ has awarded over $1 billion for Helene recovery, but in some ways it’s just the beginning.” Wilson emphasized ongoing collaborations with local governments and nonprofits to expedite the completion of these critical projects.
Burnsville is a focal point of this investment, having received $13 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to enhance its water supply and infrastructure. This is in addition to $4.5 million previously provided in emergency bridge loans and technical assistance, bringing the total investment in Burnsville to over $17 million.
Last week, Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 257 into law, introducing North Carolina’s first complete state budget in over two years. This budget allocates over $700 million to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, including $20 million for dam repairs and $1 million for landslide risk mapping in Yancey County. Governor Stein has overseen more than $1.8 billion in water infrastructure projects statewide to enhance water systems and address contamination issues like PFAS.
The DEQ, as the lead agency for resilience under Governor Stein’s administration, is spearheading various programs to aid communities in recovery and preparation for more frequent severe weather events. Notably, the DEQ’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint has funded 19 projects totaling $10 million in the French Broad River Basin to mitigate flood risks and enhance community resilience.
Governor Stein noted the necessity for increased state and federal support, particularly as the DEQ announced the final round of federal disaster funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address Hurricane Helene’s impact. In July, an additional $44 million in state funds was allocated to Helene water infrastructure projects, though unmet needs still exceed $758 million.
In June, Governor Stein traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for further federal assistance. His request for $10 billion includes funds for housing reconstruction, infrastructure reinforcement, and support for small businesses, with a significant portion aimed at improving water quality and infrastructure.
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