I Need Funding

Application Process, Forms, Guidance and Resources

• The Fall 2023 application period opened on Aug. 2, 2023. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2023.
• Each application includes a priority rating form that assists the Division in evaluating the proposed project in terms of prioritization established by the State Water Infrastructure Authority
• After the deadline for each funding round, the Division reviews all applications and assigns priority rating points as described in the guidance based on information provided in the application.
• The Division ranks the projects in priority point order and presents this information to the State Water Infrastructure Authority.
• The Authority is responsible for selecting the applications to receive project funding.

Available Funding Programs

The division provides low-interest loans and grants for local governments and certain other non-profit entities for water infrastructure through the following programs:  

• 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, non-profit water corporations and investor-owned drinking water companies 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.
• 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.
• Lead Service Line Replacement Funding: Provides funding specifically to identify, inventory, and replace lead service lines and lead connectors throughout water systems. Funds will be available in late 2023 to local governments, non-profit water companies and investor-owned water utilities.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

• Division of Water Infrastructure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Administration Plan- Feb. 2022
• ARPA LASII Stormwater Administration Plan (Aug. 15, 2022)