Canton -- May 15, 2026: Highlighting a vision where economic independence and manufacturing return to the heart of Haywood County, Governor Josh Stein and N.C. Secretary of Environmental Quality Reid Wilson visited Canton on May 14 to showcase how state investments are actively fortifying local public utilities against future storms.
The visit served as both a status report on long-term recovery efforts in the region and a forward-looking announcement of a $3.5 million grant from the State Water Infrastructure Authority dedicated to making Canton's wastewater system resilient.
Following the visit, Governor Stein praised the community's determination to rebuild on social media:
"Canton’s story is one of resiliency and grit. Despite back-to-back floods, wildfires, and the mill closing, Canton’s writing its next chapter."
Rebuilding for the Future
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers opened the news conference with a distinct sense of optimism, stating simply, "Today is a good day." He noted that the town’s path forward remains deeply tethered to its industrial roots.
"The next chapter will start where the last one ended, just before Helene hit — with manufacturing," Smathers said. "And Canton has no better friend in Raleigh than the man standing behind me — Josh Stein."
Smathers later added that stable water infrastructure is foundational to much more than utilities, playing a vital role in flood mitigation, environmental stewardship, public safety, and long-term economic growth.
Stein acknowledged the immense pressure placed on the community in recent years, noting that between Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Helene, and other severe flooding events, the Town of Canton had endured "more than its fair share of tough situations."
Strengthening Mountain Infrastructure
The $3.5 million grant is a cornerstone of Canton’s strategy to secure its future by upgrading its wastewater system and ensuring vital utility assets are better equipped to handle severe weather.
More than a year and a half after Hurricane Helene, DEQ has awarded more than $860 million for water infrastructure projects specifically across Western North Carolina counties, successfully restoring 97% of the water systems damaged by the storm.
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson reinforced that the funding is part of a much larger, coordinated effort to adapt to changing weather patterns across the state's western region.
"We don't want to just rebuild. We must strengthen our systems for resiliency against future flooding events," Wilson said.
Wilson noted that Canton's upgrades serve as a prime example of how 217 projects funded by the State Water Infrastructure Authority are actively making drinking water, wastewater, and septic systems more resilient throughout North Carolina's mountain communities.
A Statewide Commitment to Resiliency
The focus on updating critical water systems extends far beyond Haywood County. The $3.5 million grant is part of a broader environmental strategy spearheaded by the state.
Massive Statewide Investment: Since taking office, Governor Stein's administration has advanced more than $1.6 billion through the DEQ to ensure clean drinking water and stronger, weather-resistant infrastructure across North Carolina.
Economic Foundation: Secure, flood-resistant wastewater capacity is an absolute prerequisite for bringing large-scale manufacturing jobs back to the region, allowing Canton to control its own economic destiny following the 2023 mill closure.
Protecting Public Health: Upgrading these systems ensures that even during future extreme weather events, local families can safely remain connected to clean drinking water while minimizing environmental impacts.
Governor Stein concluded the visit by celebrating the spirit of Western North Carolina, promising that the state will continue to stand by mountain communities to ensure they return stronger than they were before.
Image: NC Governor Josh Stein's Office