Major State Investment in Infrastructure Systems Includes $72M Secured by McGill for Local Communities
Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) recently announced more than $472 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across North Carolina. The awards will support 145 projects in 66 counties, helping communities strengthen aging systems, improve reliability, and better withstand future severe weather events.
Funding for this round of projects comes from a combination of federal and state programs, including State Revolving Funds, Community Development Block Grant–Infrastructure funding, and other targeted programs that assist distressed or storm-impacted systems. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards after reviewing nearly $1.9 billion in funding requests submitted by communities statewide.
Growing Infrastructure Needs
This significant investment responds to the increasing need for resilient infrastructure following major storms, including Hurricane Helene, which left many North Carolinians without reliable access to clean water. The funding will help communities modernize water and wastewater systems, reduce contamination such as PFAS (forever chemicals), and identify and replace aging lead service lines.
State leaders emphasize that safe, dependable water infrastructure is essential to public health, economic growth, and community stability. These projects support healthier communities while strengthening systems to withstand future disasters and population growth.
McGill’s Funding Team Secures $72 Million for Clients
McGill’s funding team partnered with 12 communities to pursue grants and loans supporting critical infrastructure improvements. For the Fall 2025 funding round, McGill submitted nine applications totaling $31,411,961 in funding, with $22,411,961 awarded as grant funds. In the January 2026 SRF Helene funding round, McGill submitted six applications totaling $40,620,454 in funding. Together, these investments help communities address the impacts of Hurricane Helene and other climate-related challenges. The SRF Helene program provides targeted funding to modernize and protect essential water and wastewater infrastructure while improving long-term resilience.
Fall 2025 Drinking Water Funding
- Valdese / Morganton Interconnect — Town of Drexel ($588,690)
- Valdese / Drexel Interconnect — City of Morganton ($2,581,940)
- Raw Water Intake — Town of Valdese ($6,000,000)
- Lenoir / Valdese Interconnect — City of Lenoir ($3,000,000)
Fall 2025 Wastewater Funding
- New Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewer Regionalization — Town of Canton ($6,000,000)
- Sewer Connection to Housing Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant — Town of Hot Springs ($3,200,800)
- Lil Champion Sewer Improvements — Town of Waynesville ($3,490,531)
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements — Town of Waynesville ($6,500,000)
Fall 2025 Merger / Regionalization Study
- Merger / Regionalization Feasibility Study — Orange-Alamance Water, Mebane ($50,000)
January 2026 SRF Helene Funding Round
- Sewer System Resiliency Improvements — Town of Forest City ($5,000,000)
- Wastewater System Resiliency Improvements — Town of Newland ($5,000,000)
- Water System Resiliency Improvements — Town of Forest City ($10,000,000)
- Water Resiliency Improvements — McDowell County ($7,456,200)
- Drinking Water System Resiliency Improvements — Town of Newland ($10,000,000)
- Drinking Water Resiliency Improvements — Town of Highlands ($3,164,254)
Reach Out to Our Team
McGill’s funding team brings extensive experience in grant research, development, writing, and administration across federal, state, local, and foundation programs. The team maintains strong relationships with funding agencies and stays current on program requirements, policies, and funding opportunities — enabling McGill to deliver strategic guidance and exceptional service to clients.
To discuss your project funding needs, contact:
Christyn Fertenbaugh
Funding Services Manager
christyn.fertenbaugh@mcgillassociates.com
