We are excited to officially launch AskAshleigh—the first virtual caregiver integrated into an Area Agency on Aging. AskAshleigh provides immediate, personalized support with deep local knowledge, accessible at any hour of the day or night. Imagine having the expertise of Family Caregiver Resource Specialists right at your fingertips, helping you navigate caregiving challenges with real, actionable advice.

Caregiving is often an unexpected journey, filled with late nights, endless questions, and emotional challenges. For many families, especially those caring for loved ones with dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming and isolating.

This isn't just technology—it's a promise that no caregiver has to navigate this journey alone. For residents of Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, and Wilson counties, AskAshleigh is ready to provide the support you need.

Learn more: https://ucpcog.org/askashleigh/

Congratulations to Princeville for Being Recognized by Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

Princeville, located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, holds a unique place in American history, standing as the oldest town in the United States chartered by Black people. Established in 1865 by freed African Americans, the town was originally known as Freedom Hill, named for its elevated location near the Tar River and to commemorate the site where Union soldiers proclaimed the war's end, ensuring freedom for the formerly enslaved with the Emancipation Proclamation.

With support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, the town grew and was officially incorporated in 1885 and renamed Princeville in honor of Turner Prince, a formerly enslaved carpenter who played a key role in its early development. Despite the prevailing racism and extreme poverty of the post-Civil War era, the town's community persevered and grew. By the time of its incorporation, Princeville was home to nearly 400 people, comprising an emerging workforce of carpenters, blacksmiths, grocers, seamstresses, and brick masons.

Towards the close of the 19th century, African American political representation in Edgecombe County was notable, with voters electing eleven Black men to the state legislature between 1877 and 1890. As a historically Black town, Princeville was part of this broader movement, reflecting the political engagement and activism of the era. However, by the 1890s, Jim Crow laws and voter suppression tactics significantly curtailed Black political power. Despite a racist campaign in 1903 to revoke its charter, the citizens of Princeville stood firm and successfully defended their town’s incorporation.

Princeville has faced recurrent flooding due to its proximity to the Tar River, with significant floods occurring in 1919, 1924, 1928, 1940, and most notably in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd. These disasters have tested the town’s resilience, causing widespread destruction in the region. More recently, floods from Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) have continued to threaten the town’s survival. Despite these challenges, Princeville remains home to a resilient community and stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, determination, endurance, and pride.

Princeville Buildings During Snow and Flood of Tar River, circa 1899. Courtesy of Edgecombe County Memorial Library, DigitalNC.

Choanoke HOME Consortium Funding Application

The Choanoke Area Housing Consortium is pleased to announce that its application for funding is now open! Applications are due Friday, March 14, 2025, by 5 pm. Funding is available for affordable housing, including the development and preservation of affordable housing, improved capacity of local housing providers, and increased homeownership opportunities. See below for more details.

Application Instructions

Fillable Application

Choanoke HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan

2025 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Grant Funds Available Now

$5,900,000 to be awarded for transportation-related emission reductions.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at North Carolina State University announces the following request for proposals (RFP) through the 2025 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. This year’s initiative will offer $5.9 million, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions and supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT). The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties; the secondary purpose is to expand the availability of eligible refueling and charging infrastructure.

Project proposals will be limited to a maximum award of $450,000 with a minimum award of $5,000. Applications will be due Monday, March 14, 2025. Learn more here.

Projects located in the following counties are eligible for CFAT funding: Cabarrus, Catawba, *Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, *Haywood, *Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Nash, Orange, Person, Rowan, *Swain, Union, Wake, (*Represents partial counties).

Projects for electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) will be accepted within all 100 counties.

Available funds: $5,900,000

Maximum per project award: $450,000

Minimum per project award: $5,000

Application deadline: March 10, 2025

Project period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Request for Proposals

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Application Form

Click here for the 2025 CFAT RFP FAQs

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Budget Template

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Example Budget #1

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Example Budget #2

Click here and here to learn about previous successful CFAT projects.

For more information or if you have questions contact: Heather Brutz, hmbrutz@ncsu.edu OR John Bonitz, jhbonitz@ncsu.edu 

Partners for Green Growth Project Ideas due April 24th

What does it fund?

Partners for Green Growth is a cost-share funding reimbursement program offered by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Green Growth Toolbox program. The goal of Partners for Green Growth is to support local governments’ planning projects that consider wildlife and natural resource conservation inland use and development planning, incentives and ordinances. Funds can be used to gather background or supporting information for an ordinance, create a model ordinance, write plans, or craft conservation or land use guidelines to be considered by a governing board for adoption. Adoption of a plan, incentive, ordinance or guidance document is not a condition for reimbursement of funds and is not required.

Eligible Entities

Local governments in North Carolina, councils of government, partnerships between government and non-profit organizations.

Available Funds

$10,000 to $20,000

Application Deadline

Project idea submissions are due April 24, invited applications are due May 16.

Match Required

None

Funding Available through Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an ambitious $2 billion Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program that directly addresses the challenges and injustices too many communities face due to environmental and climate issues. It offers up to $20 million for projects focusing on climate resilience, pollution reduction, and building community capacity —particularly for those historically underserved. Recognizing the potential hurdles in navigating such significant funding opportunities, the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) steps in with a lifeline. SSDN's Local Infrastructure Hub (LIH) Regional Cohorts program is dedicated to bolstering the capacity of local governments and community-based organizations to apply for, secure, and manage federal funding, ensuring that those at the front lines of environmental and climate justice are fully equipped to bring about transformative changes. Application details and additional information about the program can be found on SSDN's website button below.

For more information, contact Nick Deffley at nick@southeastsdn.org.

Joint Office Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook 



The Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook provides guidance on planning, engagement, siting and funding for electric infrastructure, offering interactive modules with clear steps to facilitate the development of a zero-emission transportation system. CLICK HERE for playbook access. 

USDA and EDA Update Resources in Joint Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities

The Stronger Together: Federal funding and planning opportunities designed to promote sustainable economic development in rural America guide has been updated to provide a handy summary of EDA and USDA Rural Development programs that can be used to support common rural development strategies

USDOT Grants and Technical Assistance Navigator Tool 

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently launched the DOT Navigator, a new online resource designed to help communities identify federal grant and technical assistance opportunities. The DOT Navigator tool includes a searchable database of technical assistance opportunities as well as a variety of grant application resources. 

FAFSA is Now Open for 25-26 School Year

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for students and families to complete for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Completing the FAFSA determines eligibility for financial assistance related to grants, scholarships, and loans. With many recent changes related to tuition costs and the Next NC scholarship, many students may be eligible for free or lower cost tuition as they work towards completing their training and earning credentials. 

For additional details visit How to fill out the 2025-26 FAFSA - EducationNC

PROTECT

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary 

The vision of the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program is to fund projects that address the climate crisis by improving the resilience of the surface transportation system, including highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities. They should support the continued operation or rapid recovery of crucial local, regional, or national surface transportation facilities. Furthermore, selected projects should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of natural infrastructure, which is explicitly eligible under the program. 

The NOFO can be found on grants.gov at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347585.

More information on this NOFO and the PROTECT Program can be found at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/protect/discretionary.

Applicant questions should be directed to: PROTECTdiscretionary@dot.gov

2025 Digital Equity Champion Awards Nomination Form 

Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality.

NDIA will present two awards: the Digital Equity Champion Award will recognize an outstanding individual who has made a difference in the field of digital equity, while the Emerging Leader Champion Award will acknowledge an up-and-coming digital inclusion practitioner.

Awards will be presented during NDIA’s Net Inclusion conference on May 20-22 in Gila River Indian Community.



For more information about the Digital Equity Champion Awards, including scoring, evaluation, and sample nominations, please visit: digitalinclusion.org/champions/ 

To be successful, nominees should demonstrate or exhibit the following qualities:

• Sustained commitment to digital inclusion programs and an expertise in digital equity
• Innovation in addressing and solving digital inequities
• Dedication to serving community(ies) and targeted populations who are most in need of digital inclusion services
• Demonstrated leadership and collaborative spirit
• Prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work
• Use of data and evaluation to shape digital inclusion programs and share best practices
• Engagement in sustainable work that can be scaled and replicated



Digital Equity Champion Award Proposal Timeline:

• Submission Deadline: March 18, 2025
• Notification of Award: April 14, 2025
• Award Ceremony: During Net Inclusion conference on May 20-22

PDF of the nomination form

Word Doc of the nomination form

If you prefer to use the PDF or Word Doc version, please email your completed nomination to pamela@digitalinclusion.org with the subject line "Digital Equity Champion Award Nomination". 

For any questions, please contact Pamela Rosales at pamela@digitalinclusion.org 

Announcing the

NC Resilient Communities

Planning Guide!

We are pleased to announce the publication of NCORR’s newest resource:

The NC Resilient Communities Planning Guide!

The Guide is a collection of resources tailored to help North Carolina communities develop a resilience plan or integrate resilience into existing planning documents, such as a comprehensive plan or strategic plan. Because each community’s needs are unique, the Guide doesn’t offer a fixed approach. Instead, it provides users with a set of considerations, options to up- or down-scale its approaches and examples of other communities’ actions. 

The Guide consists of two volumes: the Playbook and the Idea Book. 



The Playbook takes users through the stages of resilience planning, from preparation through plan implementation. Each section of the Playbook includes checklists and questions for consideration, to allow the user to customize their planning process to their organization’s specific needs. While the target audience is local governments, the content will also help community organizations or regional groups craft resilience strategies.

The Idea Book provides insight into strategies that advance resilience across 14 categories. These categories include environmental topics, like Stormwater Management and Flooding; social topics like Communication and Education; and economic topics like Business and Local Economy. For each topic, we explain its connection to resilience, demonstrate strategies for increasing resilience in this area and offer an in-depth case study of a community’s resilience project.

Redeveloping Faith Sites Into Affordable Housing

ROBERT STEUTEVILLE   

The redevelopment of sites owned by faith-based organizations (FBO) is among the decade's biggest urban redevelopment challenges. Some arise from a nationwide wave of church closings—others represent land owned by congregations that could serve a larger community purpose and generate revenue.

The scale of this challenge is enormous. Public Square reported in 2022 that 100,000 churches could close, and many of them already are. The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley reports that 38,800 acres controlled by FBOs could be redeveloped into housing in California alone. At ten units per acre, that could yield close to 400,000 housing units—several times the state's current annual production. 

There’s a problem—FBOs must overcome many hurdles before they even get to urban planning. FBOs typically lack any development expertise. But there’s also a track record of FBOs working with affordable housing developers in many parts of the US. Given the health, economic, and social benefits of walkability, good urban design can play a role in this redevelopment. 

A report that came out last year from HUD and the nonprofit affordable housing developer LISC can help. Working with Faith-Based Organizations on Affordable Housing Development is a first step to guiding these groups on redeveloping sites, which often sit at prime urban locations. The report covers financing, entitlement, and many pitfalls faith-based organizations face as they become involved in housing.

“Affordable housing development in partnership with faith-based organizations is complicated but with thoughtful support and partnerships in place, they can provide truly community-rooted housing that benefits the entire community,” the report says.

ARP OFFICE HOURS 

The UNC School of Government (SOG) hosts virtual ARPA Office Hours for local governments to discuss issues related to the American Rescue Plan Act Fiscal Recovery Fund program and local government finance. NCACC participates in these sessions and provides timely updates for counties on ARPA-related matters. Click here for the UNC SOG ARPA Office Hours and to access the Zoom link.

Upcoming ARP/Finance Office Hours: 

• March 6, 2025: 8:30-9:30am
• March 18, 2025: 12:00-1:00pm

Introducing the New Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities Coalition

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) unveiled the new Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities coalition. Spanning across 57 counties, this coalition aims to bolster economic vitality, energy resilience, and overall quality of life throughout the state by championing accessible, effective, and eco-friendly transportation fuels and technology. You can read more about it here, including involvement by Roanoke Electric Cooperative and mentions of UCPCOG and Roanoke Rapids.

Guide for Managing Maintenance: How Fleets Can Improve Operations

Discover actionable insights to optimize your fleet maintenance with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. This guide shares expert strategies from top fleets to help reduce downtime, streamline processes, and manage costs. Learn how to:



• Build an effective preventive maintenance (PM) plan that increases uptime.
• Optimize inventory to avoid costly part shortages and delays.
• Balance in-house and outsourced maintenance for a more flexible operation.
• Use data-driven practices to make smarter budgeting and resource allocation decisions.

For additional insights and resources on how to improve your fleet maintenance processes, click here.

The North Carolina Heat Action Plan Toolkit has been published.

The Heat Action Toolkit gives local governments actionable guidance on reducing risks from extreme heat. This project, a collaboration among NCORR, other state agencies and academic institutions, grew out of the Regions Innovating for Strong Economies and Environment (RISE) Program regional resilience portfolios.

Winter time is a good time to think about heat action planning with their toolkit, especially if there may be local budget planning considerations.

The North Carolina Resilience Exchange has been launched.

This online resource hub is a one-stop-shop for resilience planning and project implementation. This site hosts local climate projections, maps, guidance, existing plans, funding opportunities, case studies of resilience projects and connections to experts willing to help. Since the site was launched, we’ve had 13,000 unique visitors.

Now you can track Flood Risk Mitigation Projects on our website.

A large number of state agencies administer flood risk reduction programs that fund construction, land acquisition, restoration, planning and technical assistance. This month, NCORR published a map of flood risk mitigation projects across the state to showcase these efforts.

EPA Releases New Tools to Help Small, Rural, and Tribal Communities with Lagoons Manage Wastewater and Protect Waterbodies

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released resource tools to help protect public health and local water bodies in communities that rely on lagoons for wastewater management.

Lagoon wastewater treatment systems are typically used in communities that are smaller than 3,000 people and can lack the necessary financial and technical resources to comply with the Clean Water Act. EPA’s new tools are intended to help local decisionmakers effectively and efficiently protect public health and the environment, address compliance challenges, and improve asset-management planning.

The new resources include:

• The “First Stop Toolbox for Lagoons” identifies technical, financial, and regulatory support resources in a user-friendly web tool. This tool will help lagoon operators and technical assistance providers assess operations and compliance challenges in their lagoons, and in turn, help communities resolve these challenges on their own. 
• The “Small Lagoon Communities Economic Streamlining Tool” and the “Individual Lagoon Tool” help states, authorized Tribes, and communities determine whether a water quality standards (WQS) variance is an appropriate step to take when a small community is experiencing compliance challenges related to ammonia. Both tools are accompanied by an implementation document: “Applying the EPA’s Economic Analysis Tools to a WQS Variance for Ammonia for Small Lagoon Communities.” 

These tools were developed as priority actions under the EPA’s 2022-2026 Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Action Plan, and respond to needs identified by state co-regulators and lagoon communities. 

Learn more about lagoons in videos from EPA’s Bruno Pigott and Kathryn Kazior. 

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

Need technical assistance? UNC Environmental Finance Center is here to help!



The UNC Environmental Finance Center offers free one-on-one technical assistance for small water systems. If you have an interest in our support, fill out our interest form here.

AGING

NIH Healthy Aging Highlights 

Every year, one in four people over 65 falls. Falling can lead to a broken bone, a long-term hospital stay, and for some people, long-term disability. But many falls are avoidable! Watch this video to learn tips to prevent falls and stay independent as you age. 

Low Income Energy Assistance Program Begins Accepting Applications Dec. 2 to Help With Heating Costs as Temperatures Begin to Drop

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Energy Assistance Program will begin accepting applications from older adults 60 and older or people with disabilities receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging on Dec. 2, 2024.

The federally funded program helps low-income households with a one-time payment sent directly to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of warming their homes during the cold weather months.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program payments will be distributed automatically to heating vendors beginning in December 2024 if a member of the household meets the following three requirements:

• Is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging,
• Currently receives Food and Nutrition Services and
• Received a LIEAP payment during the 2023-2024 season.

Households meeting the requirements for the automatic payment are being notified of their eligibility through November 2024 and do not need to re-apply for LIEAP. Any household with a person 60 or older or with a disability and is receiving services through the Division of Aging who did not receive notice of an automated payment, can apply online at epass.nc.gov. Applicants can also call their county department of social services to apply by phone, in person or print a paper application from epass.nc.gov to mail, fax or drop off at their county department of social services.

To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility requirements,
• Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit, and
• Be responsible for their heating cost.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2025, all other eligible households who meet the eligibility requirements may begin applying. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 2, 2025, to March 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

Last year, the LIEAP program provided approximately $48 million to help more than 134,000 households pay their heating bills from December 2023 through March 2024. For more information on the program and eligibility, visit the NCDHHS website.

Dementia Friendly America Launches New Website

In 2025, USAging will celebrate 10 years of Dementia Friendly America! In anticipation of this milestone, we have launched a redesigned DFA website.  Take a look and explore DFA’s tools and resources.

2025 State Energy Conference of North Carolina



The State Energy Conference provides actionable insight into the business of energy, connecting technical innovation, diverse resources and industry opportunity to help drive North Carolina's regional energy economy forward with national impact. The 2025 State Energy Conference will be held in person on April 29-30, at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC. Early bird registration ends March 21.

New Date Announced for the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum

The Institute for Emerging Issues is happy to announce that the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy will now take place on Wednesday, May 28, at the NC State University McKimmon Center. Originally scheduled for Feb. 19, the forum was postponed due to winter weather conditions.

IEI would like to thank our forum sponsors, speakers, partners and attendees for their patience and guidance as we worked to reschedule this event. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. For those unable to attend the rescheduled event, refund options will be available until March 28.

General tickets for the forum are still available for purchase for $325, with discounted rates available for groups of six. Student tickets are $50. For further updates and information, or to register, visit go.ncsu.edu/2025forum or contact us at ieicommunications@ncsu.edu.

Community Development Academy

March 18-20 and April 15-17, 2025 | Chapel Hill 

Course Cost $935 

Community development practitioners will benefit from this intensive course, which is designed for community development practitioners and covers the concepts, methods, and strategies of community economic development. The course provides practitioners with perspectives and practical skills surrounding community development in North Carolina.

Click here to go to the course page and register.

Registration is Now Open: 40th Annual Program, Keeping Pace – Trends in Local Government

Join the MCA Alumni Association for the 40th Annual Program, Keeping Pace: Trends in Local Government on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the UNC School of Government (Room 2601). A reception immediately follows class in the SOG Atrium.

Program Overview

In a rapidly evolving world, local governments must navigate complex challenges and opportunities. Keeping Pace: Trends in Local Government equips administrators and public officials with insights, tools, and strategies to adapt to emerging trends, foster innovation, and lead with confidence. Through expert presentations and engaging discussions, participants will explore key topics shaping the future of local governance.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for graduates of the Municipal and County Administration Program, as well as city and county managers, department heads, and other local government professionals dedicated to advancing their communities.

Key Topics:

• Growing Leaders from Within
• Grant Writing – Where to Start
• Building Resilience for Life’s Challenges
• The Power of a T-Shirt
• 
  

Each year, we host a single annual one-day program to raise funds for scholarships, ensuring that aspiring leaders have the opportunity to attend the UNC School of Government’s flagship program, Municipal and County Administration, regardless of financial barriers.

Co-hosted by the Municipal and County Administration Alumni Association, the Municipal and County Administration Program, and UNC School of Government, this event brings together all local government professionals to explore emerging trends, best practices, and leadership development in public service.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
• Location: UNC School of Government, Room 2601
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch included)
• Reception: Immediately following class in the SOG Atrium
• Fee: $225 ($175 for MCA Graduates)



For more information and to Register, visit https://mcaalumni.com

Division of Water Infrastructure Announces Spring 2025 Funding Application Training at Four Locations Statewide

In-person sessions in Asheville, Hickory, Raleigh and Williamston, virtual and recorded sessions available

RALEIGH- The Division of Water Infrastructure in the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality announces training for completing and submitting applications for the Spring 2025 funding round. Applications for loan and grant funding for drinking water and wastewater projects must be received by the Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025.

Application training will be offered March 4 through March 13 in Asheville, Hickory, Raleigh and Williamston. The March 11 Raleigh training session will also offer virtual participation via WebEx and will be recorded and posted on the Division website. There is no registration cost. Potential funding applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person session or listen to a training session online.

Training will cover information on funding programs, application package completion, Priority Rating Systems, and funding timelines. Training will include instructions on how to apply for funding to evaluate options to address PFAS contamination and how to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement/Inventory funding.

Schedule and Locations for Spring 2025 Application Training Sessions

RSVP by registering online prior to the desired session. All training sessions contain the same content. Application materials will be available on the Division website before training begins.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Asheville, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Land of Sky Regional Council of Governments

339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Hickory, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Western Piedmont Council of Governments

1880 2^nd Avenue NW, Hickory, NC 28601

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Raleigh, NC, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Albemarle Building, 2^nd floor, Room 245

325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

*Parking is available in Visitor Lot 2 (Deck 75) on N. Salisbury Street.

**Main entrance is on N. Salisbury Street. Please check in with the receptionist.

A virtual option is also available on this day only. A recording of this training will be available on the Division website after this session. Webex link for online participation: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mf89dea23e38ef7580e4e2a67fce69d8e

(Password: NCDWI, Call-In #: 415.655.0003, Access Code: 2428 097 3072).

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Williamston, NC, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Martin County Telecenter

415 East Boulevard, #130, Williamston, NC 27892

Funding Availability for Spring 2025 Applications

Applications will be considered for the following funding programs in the Spring 2025 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 State Revolving Funds, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. Local government units (LGUs) and non-profit water/wastewater corporations (and investor-owned drinking water utilities for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) may apply for funding.

o  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, BIL Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) 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.

Funding in Spring 2025 is not available for Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure grants, Asset Inventory and Assessment grants, Merger/Regionalization Feasibility grants, Viable Utility Reserve grants, and Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments grants. Applications for these grants may be accepted in the next (Fall 2025) funding round, contingent on state appropriations.

Visit the Division of Water Infrastructure website to learn more about its funding programs and how to apply for them.