Application Training
Spring 2024 Funding Round
Applications for loan and grant funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater (construction only) projects must be received by the Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The Division of Water Infrastructure conducted Spring 2024 Funding Application Training at five locations statewide Feb. 27 through March 8, 2024. (Asheville, Hickory, Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Greenville)
The training session on March 5 was also offered virtually and was recorded (see below for recording and related materials). Training covered information on funding programs, application package completion, Priority Rating Systems, funding timelines, and included instructions on how to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement/Inventory funding. A primer for utilities designated as Distressed was also provided.
Application Training Resources:
- Recording of Spring 2024 Project Funding Application Training Session
- Spring 2024 Application Training Agenda (same for all sessions, applies to the recorded session)
- Spring 2024 Application Training PowerPoint Presentation
- Spring 2024 Application Process, Forms, Guidance and Resources
- Spring 2024 Funding Programs (Informational One-pagers)
- Spring 2024 "Know Before You Apply": Tips on Preparing an Application
Funding Availability for Spring 2024 Applications
Applications will be considered for the following funding programs in the Spring 2024 funding round and will be covered in the training session:
- Applications for drinking water and wastewater construction projects will be considered for funding from the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program, the State Revolving Funds, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, the State Reserves, and the Viable Utility Reserve. Local government units and non-profit water/wastewater corporations (and investor-owned drinking water utilities for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) may apply for funding.
- The Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure (CDBG-I) program will provide grants to fund projects in areas that meet the U.S. Housing and Urban Development low-to-moderate income threshold (LMI). It is available to non-entitlement municipalities and counties and offers grants up to $3 million per applicant every three years.
- The State Revolving Funds (SRFs) will provide low-interest loans (including loans that may be partially forgiven) for drinking water and wastewater projects. In addition to the SRF funds typically available, this round will include the use of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds, and BIL Lead Service Line Replacement funds. Eligible utilities may apply for up to $25 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans and up to $35 million in Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans. Limits vary for Emerging Contaminants and for Lead Service Line Replacement funding.
- State Reserve Program (SRP) construction projects: Grant and loan funding will be available for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The latest information on funding availability and limits will be shared during application training. Eligible utilities may apply for up to $3 million every 3 years.
- The Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure (CDBG-I) program will provide grants to fund projects in areas that meet the U.S. Housing and Urban Development low-to-moderate income threshold (LMI). It is available to non-entitlement municipalities and counties and offers grants up to $3 million per applicant every three years.
- Applications for drinking water and wastewater planning projects will be considered for funding from the Viable Utility Reserve (VUR). VUR grants are available to local government units designated as distressed by the State Water Infrastructure Authority and Local Government Commission. Grant funding may be available for Asset Inventory and Assessment grants and Merger/Regionalization Feasibility grants.
- Applications for stormwater construction projects will be considered for funding from the Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments (LASII) fund. Grant funding will be available to cities and counties, and regional Councils of Government and non-profit entities partnering with cities and counties, to improve or create infrastructure for controlling stormwater quantity and quality. Funding is offered only for stormwater construction projects. Funding is NOT offered for stormwater planning projects or to develop/implement a new stormwater utility. Stormwater construction grant limits up to $5 million per applicant or up to $7.5 million total if two or more units of local government are collaborating on one project are available.
Division of Water Infrastructure Funding Programs
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!
- New! Lead Service Line Replacement Funding
- 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.https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-infrastructure/lead-service-li…
- 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.