Madison, Swain counties receive NC DEQ water infrastructure grants

Press release from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality:

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced nearly $1 million in water infrastructure funding to help four communities in Madison, Robeson and Swain Counties take steps toward viable water infrastructure, improved water quality, and economic growth.

A common situation nationwide, it is challenging for communities to begin repairing and improving their underground, unseen water infrastructure, built long ago, when there are few records or useable maps to guide them. The grants pay for inventory and assessment of existing infrastructure, creating a necessary knowledge base for vital next steps.

“Addressing aging or failing infrastructure that can be as much as 100 years old is one of the biggest stumbling blocks on the road to prosperity,” said DEQ Secretary Michael Regan. “For rural communities, reliable water infrastructure is a key to increased economic opportunity, resiliency, and improved quality of life.” 

Red Springs and Pembroke, both in Robeson County, and Bryson City in Swain County have been awarded Asset Inventory and Assessment grants, designed to help towns start to confront significant water infrastructure problems that can be overwhelming to address.

Hot Springs in Madison County will utilize their funding for conversion from chlorine gas to liquid chlorination as the primary disinfectant for the water system well supply, a safety upgrade that will result in a more reliable water system better able to protect public health.

Full funding detail:   Recipient County Amount Hot Springs Madison $500,000 Red Springs Robeson $150,000 Pembroke Robeson $150,000 Bryson City Swain $180,000 Sum   $980,000