Washington D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that $50 million in authorized federal funding for the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act. This funding provides a significant $37 million increase from the current $13 million allocation and will support environmental assistance projects across North Carolina. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Congresswoman Ross submitted a request for this funding in January 2024.

Administered in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, these funds will assist non-federal entities in addressing critical assistance needs, including water infrastructure development and resource protection. This investment comes as water quality concerns grow nationwide. In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that over 11 million more Americans are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water, bringing the total number at risk to more than 143 million. Additionally, in March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality added 70 bodies of water to the proposed list of impaired waters.

“I’m extremely excited to see an historic $50 million authorized for North Carolina through the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This funding marks a critical step in ensuring cleaner, safer water for communities across North Carolina. I am committed to working across party lines to safeguard public health and protect North Carolina’s precious environment for future generations.”

 Program funds will go to:

• Wastewater treatment and related facilities;
• Combined sewer overflow, water supply, storage, treatment, and related facilities;
• Drinking water infrastructure including treatment and related facilities;
• Environmental restoration;
• Stormwater infrastructure; and surface water resource protection and development.