Gov. Bev Perdue today announced a total of $45.2 million in drinking water, stormwater and wastewater projects in a second round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awards. In total, 40 communities in 31 counties received second round funding. More than half of the second-round projects were identified as “green” projects.
“These JobsNOW Recovery projects will create jobs, boost the economy, improve the state’s infrastructure and protect North Carolina’s drinking water and other water systems in the future,” said Perdue.
Nearly $23.9 million in recovery funds will be distributed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to 28 communities for public water supply projects. New Hanover County, Jacksonville and Cary each were awarded $3 million, the maximum amount allowed by the ARRA program. The full list of second-round drinking water award recipients is now available at: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/recovery.htm. In April, $40.3 million in drinking water funds was awarded to 35 local systems in the initial round of projects.
In addition, awards totaling $21.3 million will go to 12 communities for wastewater and stormwater projects. Southport, Burgaw, Brunswick County and Buncombe County received the $3 million maximum allowed under ARRA. The full list of second-round stormwater and wastewater award recipients is available at: www.nccgl.net/Stimulus.html. In April, $45.8 million was awarded to 36 communities for stormwater and wastewater projects.
Project awards are not final until all ARRA and other federal requirements have been met and the Local Government Commission approves the recipient’s financial qualifications.
Funds will be awarded as 50 percent zero-interest loans and 50 percent principal forgiveness loans. 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.
Also, non-ARRA N.C. Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund monies will provide $12 million for nine projects in Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, Vance, Polk, Caldwell and Watauga counties. These projects primarily address failing systems and drought-related problems in the individual communities. The list of recipients can be found online at: http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/srf/Pages/CurrentNews.htm.
For further information on ARRA drinking water project funds and criteria used in the selection process, visit the Division of Environmental Health Web site at: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/recovery.htm.
For more information about ARRA wastewater and stormwater project funds and the criteria used to select the recipients, visit the DWQ Web site at www.nccgl.net/Stimulus.html.
