CFPUA to receive $17.8 million as governor announces $472 million for water projects statewide
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will receive $17.8 million as part of a $472 million statewide investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday.
The funding, approved for 145 projects across 66 counties, is aimed at strengthening aging systems, improving resiliency against storms, reducing contamination from so-called “forever chemicals,” and replacing lead pipes.
Locally, CFPUA will use the $17.8 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds and State Wastewater Reserve Program loans for improvements at the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“After Hurricane Helene, tens of thousands of North Carolinians were without access to clean and reliable water for weeks. Upgrading our state’s aging water infrastructure must be a priority,” Stein said in a statement. “These investments will make our infrastructure more resilient in the face of future severe weather or disasters and improve access to clean drinking water for North Carolinians across the state.”
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson said families and businesses expect safe water when they turn on the tap and that the projects will support both public health and economic growth.
In addition to CFPUA’s award, other major projects include:
$33 million to the city of Goldsboro to construct a treatment project to remove PFAS contamination.
$10 million to the town of Newland for drinking water resiliency improvements.
$5 million to the town of Forest City for sewer system resiliency improvements.
$1.3 million to Winston-Salem for lead service line replacement.
The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards during its Feb. 18 meeting. The authority reviewed 198 eligible applications requesting nearly $1.89 billion.
Funding sources include low-interest State Revolving Fund loans, hurricane supplemental funds, Community Development Block Grants, the State Reserve Program and the Viable Utility Reserve.
