Aging Water Systems Are Getting Some TLC

The state’s aging and failing water systems are getting some TLC. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced $462.9 million in federal funding for 249 infrastructure projects in 80 communities statewide, including water and wastewater treatment facilities in Davidson and Jackson counties, according to the announcement Thursday. The projects aim to improve the state’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. While the state typically invests around $200 million per year to upgrade systems, North Carolina is investing $2.3 billion over two years thanks to federal funds from the American Rescue Plan, supporting critical infrastructure upgrades, to better provide clean drinking water and sewer services, an issue that has also negatively impacted health, quality of life, and economic development efforts. In Jackson County, the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority in Cullowhee will receive more than $4,000,000 for a drinking water treatment plant clearwell and a high-service pump replacement.