DESCRIPTION:THIS ACTION APPROVES AN AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,940,000 TO NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TO PROVIDE A CAPITALIZATION GRANT FOR THEIR DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND (DWSRF) PROGRAM. THE AWARD FURTHERS THE PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION OBJECTIVES OF THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA).ACTIVITIES:THE RECIPIENT OF THESE FUNDS WILL PROVIDE LOW INTEREST RATE FINANCING TO ELIGIBLE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF ELIGIBLE DRINKING WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. THE RECIPIENT MAY ALSO USE SOME OF THE FUNDING FOR SPECIFIC SET-ASIDES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SYSTEMS, FOR OPERATOR CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES, AND SOURCE WATER PROTECTION ACTIVITIES.SUBRECIPIENT:SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF PROJECT LOANS, DWSRF AND SET-ASIDE ACTIVITY.OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE FINANCING, PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF ELIGIBLE PUBLIC HEALTH-RELATED PROJECTS. DELIVERABLES WILL ALSO BE USED TO INCREASE THE TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL, AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME IS PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE CITIZENS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.