Governor Stein, DEQ Announce $270 Million for Resilient Water Infrastructure Projects in Areas Damaged by Hurricane Helene
On December 11th, Governor Josh Stein announced $270 million in awards to repair and strengthen the resilience of water systems in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The awards from the NC Department of Environmental Quality will fund 58 water, wastewater and septic system projects in 26 western North Carolina counties. North Carolina is the first state affected by Hurricane Helene to make awards provided through the 2025 State Revolving Fund Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Hawai’i Wildfires.
A key requirement to receive funding is that a project must strengthen the system’s long-term resilience to future flooding.
“Safe drinking water and healthy waterways are basic necessities for health and quality of life,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “Hurricane Helene inflicted serious damage to water systems, imperiling water supplies throughout our mountain communities. These awards will help communities rebuild to ensure that systems are less vulnerable to future flooding.”
The Town of Burnsville will receive $8,208,552 for drinking water supply and distribution improvements and $4,877,626 for Hickory Lane and West Glendale Avenue sewer line improvements.