Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that nearly $46 million will be awarded to 36 communities in 30 counties for wastewater and stormwater projects from the first-round distribution of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Aging wastewater infrastructure from one end of the state to the other will now begin to see the benefit of the economic recovery funds,” said Gov. Perdue. “Not only will these projects help improve public health and the environment, but they’ll create jobs and boost the local economy.”
Project awards made by the Division of Water Quality totaled approximately $45,850,000. Towns from Kure Beach – for improvements to approximately 6,500 linear feet of sewer – to Murphy – for upgrades to pump stations and pump replacements – will benefit from the program.
Moore County, the town of Highlands, the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority and the town of Lake Lure were each awarded the maximum amount allowed by the ARRA program: $3 million. The full list of first-round award recipients will be available tomorrow at www.nccgl.net/Stimulus.html.
Five of the 38 first-round projects to receive funding are “green” projects that include wastewater reuse or stormwater management components. Round One funding committed for these projects is $5.7 million. Since the ARRA requires that at least 20 percent of all the monies awarded be spent on green projects, the state still has $8 million available for eligible projects in this category.
Project awards are not final until the Local Government Commission approves the recipient’s financial qualifications.
The Division of Water Quality Construction Grants and Loans Section, which administers the wastewater and stormwater recovery funds, received a federal capitalization grant of $70,729,100 on April 3.
Funds will be awarded with 50 percent zero-interest loans and 50 percent principal forgiveness. In accordance with ARRA requirements, priority is given to projects that can proceed quickly, already have any required permits and have additional funding committed, if needed.
The application deadline for Round Two is June 3. For the second round, the state is seeking quality green project applications, along with other wastewater and stormwater projects that meet ARRA program criteria and are on the state project list.
Those seeking to apply for Round Two funding should visit the DWQ Web site at www.nccgl.net/Stimulus.html for applications and additional information.
