I Need Funding

Spring 2023 Application Training Location, Dates, Registration and Funding Information

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

• Division of Water Infrastructure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Administration Plan- Feb. 2022

• Watch a recorded webinar announcing the ARPA Administration Plan (Feb. 2022)

• ARPA LASII Stormwater Administration Plan (Aug. 15, 2022)

Funding Programs Information

The division provides low-interest loans and grants for local governments and certain other non-profit entities for water infrastructure through the programs listed below.

Contact us if you need assistance determining which program is the best fit for your project needs!

• Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF): Provides low-interest loans to local government units to fund wastewater collection and treatment facilities as well as programs associated with estuary and non-point sources.
• Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF): Provides low-interest loans to local government units and certain non-profit water corporations for projects to provide safe drinking water.
• Community Development Block Grant – Infrastructure: Provides grants to local government units to address water and wastewater infrastructure needs in HUD qualified low-to-moderate income communities.
• State Wastewater & Drinking Water Reserve Programs: Provides grants for technical assistance and for construction of critical needs for wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment works, and public water system projects.
• Merger/Regionalization Feasibility Grant Program: Provides grants for studies to evaluate the potential consolidation of two or more systems into one system and the potential physical interconnection with another system for regional wastewater treatment or regional water supply.
• Asset Inventory and Assessment Grant Program: Provides grants for developing asset inventories, condition assessment of critical assets, and other components of a comprehensive asset management programs.
• Viable Utilities Program: Provides funding to build a path toward viable utility systems using long-term solutions for distressed water and wastewater units in North Carolina.
• Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments Program (LASII): Provides grants for construction and planning for stormwater projects to improve or create infrastructure for controlling stormwater quality and quantity.

Application Process

https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-infrastructure/i-need-funding/…

• Applications are accepted either once or twice per year, depending on the funding program.
• Depending on the funds available and the number of applications received, funding awards are often competitive.
• Each application includes a priority rating form that evaluates the proposed project in terms of need for the project, environmental benefits, system management, and financial situation. 
• After the deadline for each funding round, the division reviews all applications and assigns priority rating points as described in the guidance based on information provided in the application.
• The division ranks the projects in priority point order and makes recommendations to the State Water Infrastructure Authority.
• The authority is responsible for making final decisions for project funding.