Investments Will Improve Access to Clean, Safe Drinking Water Countywide
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – On July 23, 2025, Gov. Josh Stein announced several Cumberland County-based agencies will be awarded more than $34.6 million in state and federal funding for seven major water infrastructure projects in the latest round of awards from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the State Water Infrastructure Authority (SWIA).
“I want to thank Gov. Stein, Secretary Wilson, and the State Water Infrastructure Authority for this $34.6 million investment — making Cumberland County one of the largest recipients statewide,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “We are deeply grateful for the state’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all our residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. These critical awards include $5 million for Gray's Creek Phase 2 and $2.85 million for innovative PFAS treatment technology that will protect families from dangerous forever chemicals. This funding delivers transformative solutions countywide — from Gray's Creek to Brookwood, Tanglewood Estates to Glenville Lake. This investment brings us a significant step closer to ensuring that no Cumberland County family has to worry about the safety of their water when they turn on the tap.”
In total, Cumberland County-based initiatives were awarded $34,612,335 for the following:
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Aqua North Carolina, Inc. – Brookwood Community Ion Exchange Filters
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IIJA DWSRF-EC-C: $1,327,800
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IIJA DWSRF-EC-C & DWSRF: $3,983,400
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IIJA DWSRF-EC-S: $500,000
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Carolina Water Service, Inc. – PFAS Implementation at Tanglewood Estates
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Cumberland County Government – Gray’s Creek Phase 2
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Cumberland County Government – Landfill Leachate PFAS Treatment
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Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) – PO Hoffer/Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) Facility
The largest single award, totaling $20.5 million, was granted to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission for the construction of a Granulated Activated Carbon facility at the P.O. Hoffer/Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant. The project is specifically designed to reduce PFAS contamination and ensure the long-term safety of the community’s drinking water supply.
“These investments, which include county-led initiatives, will modernize aging infrastructure and protect public health across our communities,” said Chairman deViere.
Chairman deViere also acknowledged the vital role of federal support, particularly through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.
“We thank our congressional delegation for their leadership in securing the federal funding that made many of these awards possible,” he said. “Their advocacy has been instrumental in bringing these vital resources to Cumberland County.”
County leaders also expressed a desire to secure future water infrastructure funding. The proposed FY2026 federal budget includes a $2.46 billion cut to SRF programs, reducing funding from $2.76 billion to just $305 million—an 89% decrease that could threaten critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure nationwide.
“These federal programs are the backbone of water infrastructure investment across North Carolina and the nation,” said Chairman deViere. “Without sustained federal support, communities like ours will struggle to address aging infrastructure, combat emerging contaminants like PFAS, and ensure safe drinking water for all residents.”
“We urge our congressional delegation to continue their strong advocacy for these essential programs,” he continued. “This funding will not only improve water quality today but also strengthen our infrastructure’s resilience against future challenges. We remain committed to pursuing additional funding opportunities and continuing our partnerships to ensure every community in Cumberland County has access to clean, safe water.”
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov, download the MyCCNCGov app, or follow CCNCGOV on social media.