In an effort to bolster the resilience of water infrastructure in hurricane-affected areas, Gov. Josh Stein announced substantial federal funding during his visit to Old Fort. This initiative allocates $270 million to various projects across 26 western counties in North Carolina.
The funding, administered by the state Department of Environmental Quality, is part of a larger $685 million package approved by Congress. It aims to help local communities rebuild their water and sewer systems with enhanced resilience against future flooding events.
Old Fort is set to benefit from $15 million, with $5 million earmarked for sewer repairs and another $10 million for water line upgrades. These projects, expected to span several years, underscore the pressing need for communities to strengthen their infrastructure against increasingly frequent and severe floods.
“We have to be better prepared to withstand these storms when they hit our state,” Stein emphasized at the McDowell Technical Community College Workforce Education Center. He highlighted Old Fort’s project as a prime example of DEQ’s commitment to resilience in recovery efforts.
Also in attendance were State Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson and Old Fort Mayor Pam Snypes. Wilson remarked on the widespread damage to water systems across the mountains, noting the significant devastation observed in the region.
Old Fort plans to upgrade 23,600 linear feet of water lines and 5,500 linear feet of sewer infrastructure. Mayor Snypes described the funding as transformative, although she acknowledged the lengthy process ahead. “Once it’s completed, the town of Old Fort’s water and sewer system will be one of the best in Western North Carolina,” she stated.
Additional Beneficiaries of the Funding
Other areas receiving funds include:
- Chimney Rock Village (Rutherford County) will receive $2.7 million for a drinking water project, $5 million for a wastewater treatment plant, and $4 million for sewer line extensions.
- The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will use $7.5 million to fix 300 septic systems affected by Hurricane Helene across numerous counties.
- Burnsville (Yancey County) is allocated $8.2 million for water improvements and nearly $4.9 million for sewer line projects.
- Clyde (Haywood County) will get $4.3 million for water system interconnections and $5 million for wastewater improvements.
- Crossnore (Avery County) is set to receive nearly $5.4 million for water system upgrades and nearly $5 million for wastewater improvements.
A comprehensive list of recipients can be found here. Additional funding opportunities will be available in January and March, with applications accepted via the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Challenges with FEMA Reimbursements
Gov. Stein also addressed the slow pace of FEMA reimbursements, which has left local governments struggling after covering disaster recovery costs themselves. Approximately $1 billion awaits FEMA review, a delay exacerbated by a requirement from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for personal approval on expenses over $100,000.
“We have been championing our local governments that put money out the door with the full expectation that FEMA would reimburse them. … What happens is it just immediately builds back up, because it’s taking too long for that review to happen,” Stein said.
