Raleigh -- April 16, 2026: In a major boost for Western North Carolina’s recovery, Governor Josh Stein and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today that the vast majority of a new $215 million infrastructure package will go directly to communities ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
Of the 66 projects funded across 26 counties, approximately $196 million—nearly 91% of the total—is dedicated to rebuilding and fortifying drinking water and wastewater systems in the mountains.
“People need to have access to clean, reliable water,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help rebuild infrastructure more resilient so families can count on safe water, especially when disaster strikes.”
Priority Funding for the Mountains
The awards, approved during the State Water Infrastructure Authority’s April 15-16 meeting, target critical infrastructure that was either destroyed or left vulnerable by the storm. Key WNC projects include:
Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority: $10,000,000 for Water Treatment Plant expansion and resiliency.
City of Morganton (Burke County): $8,052,665 for Drinking Water Resiliency Improvements.
Town of Spruce Pine (Mitchell County): $5,547,516 for Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system repairs.
Town of Murphy (Cherokee County): $5,019,828 for Wastewater Resiliency.
Town of Black Mountain (Buncombe County): $4,886,922 for Drinking Water System Resiliency.
Town of Marshall (Madison County): $4,000,000 to relocate its Wastewater Treatment Plant to safer ground.
Town of Lake Lure (Rutherford County): Over $7.1 million for a new wastewater plant and force main construction.
Town of Canton (Haywood County): $3,500,000 for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and regionalization.
Addressing "Forever Chemicals" and Lead
While the focus is heavily on WNC, the remaining funds address statewide health concerns, including the replacement of lead pipes and studies on PFAS (forever chemicals). For example, Union County will receive $500,000 for a PFAS study at the Yadkin Water Treatment Plant, and Mount Holly is set to receive $4.6 million to replace aging lead and copper waterlines.
The $655 Million Gap
Despite this significant influx of federal and state funds—bringing the total Helene water aid to $861 million—the need remains immense. The Division of Water Infrastructure noted that $655 million in requested Helene-related critical needs still remains unfunded.
State officials say they will continue to work with federal partners to secure the remaining funds needed to ensure every WNC resident has a water system that can withstand future disasters.