Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson visited Old Fort to observe how recent funding is improving the town’s water systems. Last week, Governor Stein announced $270 million in grants aimed at supporting 58 water systems across 26 western North Carolina counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Old Fort is set to receive $10 million for a drinking water system resiliency project and $5 million for a sewer system resiliency project.
North Carolina is the first state affected by Hurricane Helene to distribute its portion of federal funds from the EPA’s Drinking Water and Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund disaster programs. The administration has also previously distributed housing funds from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program with similar urgency.
“Just like so many towns across western North Carolina, Old Fort suffered the deluge of Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help the town shore up its drinking water and sewer systems so families can count on safe and reliable services, even when storms hit.”
“Hurricane Helene showed how urgently western North Carolina needs to prepare for future flooding,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. “Public health is our top priority at DEQ, and that starts with ensuring each North Carolinian has access to clean drinking water. With these water infrastructure grants, we’re on our way to achieving this goal.”
The grant funding will be used for various water infrastructure projects throughout western North Carolina, including improvements in Chimney Rock Village, Clyde, and Crossnore.
Earlier this fall, Governor Stein announced a $6 million investment in flood mitigation projects in Marshall as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the region against future storms. In total this year, over $356 million has been allocated for repairs and upgrades to areas affected by Hurricane Helene, while more than $850 million in water infrastructure awards have been distributed statewide. The North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority approves these investments quarterly.
Applications for additional funding remain open until March 2, 2026.
