Federal Grant Award Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded $44.46 million to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) on July 1, 2025, under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program (CFDA 66.458). This capitalization grant, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, establishes a long-term financing mechanism whereby NCDEQ provides low-interest loans to subrecipients for water quality improvement and protection projects. The award supports planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater management systems, and other eligible water infrastructure activities throughout North Carolina.

In addition to primary loan financing activities, the grant authorizes NCDEQ to allocate portions of funding for specific set-asides, including technical assistance to small water systems, operator certification activities, and source water protection initiatives. The anticipated deliverables encompass financing and implementation support for water quality projects with expected outcomes focused on improving public health and protecting water resources across the state. The award is obligated through June 30, 2032, with total obligations of $53.35 million, providing sustained financing capacity for municipal utilities and local governments to address critical water infrastructure needs in North Carolina.