Prepping for April 30, 2024 ARPA Report

All of our local governments received ARPA funding from the federal government and need to submit reports by April 30 on the use of these funds, even if they have not spent any money since last April. Our team has compiled a checklist to help prepare for the deadline.

The Clean Water Education Partnership is excited to announce the 4th annual CWEP Regional Creek Week, March 16-23. A wide variety of other in-person & virtual events are being hosted by partner local governments around the region and state. Details and registration can be found below! Water connects us all, and we hope to see you out there.

New Statewide Executive Order Sets Conservation Goals for Forests & Wetlands

Executive Order No. 305 sets the most ambitious environmental conservation and restoration targets in North Carolina’s history. The Order sets statewide goals for North Carolina public and private partners to collectively achieve the following by 2040: Permanently conserve 1 million new acres of forests and wetlands, restore 1 million new acres of forests and wetlands, and plant 1 million new trees in urban areas.

These natural and working lands are a critical to the health and vibrancy of our region. Rivers and mountains provide areas for recreation. Forests and wetlands help control flooding when hurricanes and bad storms strike. Trees in urban areas offer cooling shade during hot months and improve air quality. Protecting and supporting these natural areas are essential for the success of our region.

Kudos to our Environment & Resilience Focus Area Director, Emily Barrett, who worked on the Natural and Working Lands Action Plan, which informed this Executive Order.