NC Immigration Impact: Governor Update
New NC law or policy affecting immigrants: <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lsaito</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-07-23T09:59:08-04:00" title="Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - 09:59" class="datetime">Wed, 07/23/2025 - 09:59</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-city-location field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Raleigh, NC</div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Governor Josh Stein announced today that 27 counties across the state will receive more than $204 million in funding for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes, and improve resiliency after future storms.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">“When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” <strong>said Governor Josh Stein.</strong> “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes." <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” <strong>said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. </strong>“This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Notable projects include:<o:p></o:p></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Bryson City (Swain County) </strong>will receive $9.2 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for wastewater treatment plant improvements.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Waynesville (Haywood County) </strong>will receive $8.2 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for improvements to the Little Champion Gravity Sewer and Pump Station.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Graham (Alamance County) </strong>will receive $3.4 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant improvements. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County)</strong> will receive $20.5 million from IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for the P.O. Hoffer / Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) facility.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of River Bend (Craven County)</strong> will receive $6.3 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for Phase II drinking water improvements.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority</strong> will receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for GAC filters for PFAS removal. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Lenoir (Caldwell County)</strong> will receive $5.6 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Lower Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Basin Improvements. Lenoir will also receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line funding for its Lead Service Line Inventory Phase 3 project. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Lexington (Davidson County) </strong>will receive $13.7 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Solids Handling Improvements project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Henderson (Vance County)</strong> will receive $10.7 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Sandy Creek Pump Station and Force Main project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Warrenton (Warren County)</strong> will receive $10 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for its Phase IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Sanford (Lee County)</strong> will receive $7.3 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for its Dry Creek Basin Sewer Rehabilitation project and $1 million each for its Sanford/TriRiver Water/Chatham County and Sanford/TriRiver Water/Siler City Lead Service Line Inventory projects.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Pfeiffer-North Stanly Water Association (Stanly County) </strong>will receive $4.9 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for its N. Main Street and Old 52 waterline replacement project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>Carolina Water Service, Inc. </strong>will receive a total of $5.5 million for six projects involving PFAS-related, lead service line identification or water line-related funding in Cumberland, Gaston, Moore and Pender counties.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">A <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Fjuly-2025-award-spreadsheet%2Fdownload%3Fattachment%3D&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034093701%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yS6oZDFpL6ti8Z6WyANs3Xf2sTb2GMXllwiKRG31YII%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">list of all projects selected for funding</a> is available on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) website.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 eligible applications, which requested a total of $1.57 billion. The <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D42059804%26msgid%3D522264%26act%3D93CF%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1138083%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.deq.nc.gov%252Fabout%252Fdivisions%252Fwater-infrastructure%252Fstate-water-infrastructure-authority%26cf%3D13425%26v%3Df9d109a0eabcfb138bfed693ca6127bef5a3f206e36752f3370a748d1ae590cb&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034108339%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vpJp52srsw%2BkTNl1pe3z6IPyRitaOOnsKlFPFuYRIYU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">State Water Infrastructure Authority</a> approved the awards during its <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fnews%2Fevents%2Fstate-water-infrastructure-authority-meeting-july-16-2025&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034121957%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZkI41gMxTGtEpYmk4bSfGQ2BisDnL6BoK%2FLVQq1CiaY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">July 16 meeting</a>. The Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Funding this round came from the State Revolving Funds, including IIJA funds. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans that may be partially forgiven for drinking water and wastewater projects. State Revolving Funds are funded by federal capitalization grants and revolving loan repayments. This round included IIJA Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) funds and IIJA Lead Service Line Replacement funds. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">The Division of Water Infrastructure’s Fall 2025 funding round begins July 29. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025. Funding for the Fall 2025 round will come from multiple existing programs, including evaluating options to address PFAS contamination, identifying and replacing lead service lines, and Viable Utility Reserve grants. The Viable Utility Reserve provides grants to local government units that are designated as Distressed for planning and construction projects that will support the long-term viability of the utility. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">In addition, the Division will accept applications on a rolling basis for the new federal supplemental appropriations from the 2025 American Relief Act to build resilience to infrastructure for Hurricane Helene-impacted communities. Helene State Revolving Fund supplemental funds for western North Carolina towns that have experienced Helene damage will continue to be available through year-round applications starting at the end of July until 2026. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">The Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct in-person <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Ffall-2025-application-training-ebs-training-and-water-wastewater-energy-efficiency-training-etc&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034135198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J0sJo7iVLDtO0bXDa02CkIrRTknW96CyIKEcjmSolco%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">funding application training</a> for the Fall 2025 funding round at six locations: Clyde, Hickory, Boone, Fayetteville, Winterville, and Research Triangle Park/Durham. A virtual option via Webex will also be available, and a recording of the training will be posted on the Division’s <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Ffall-2025-application-training-ebs-training-and-water-wastewater-energy-efficiency-training-etc&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034148553%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BlL3Cp0gNY44akDFDO2M2%2FzZWPA9qjfR1wSoJxR6ims%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">training web page</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Learn more about the Division of Water Infrastructure’s funding programs <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034162165%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y5ZV%2BBazwHtQj9ThJCrSOgA3Wni43avw3fQuUnta3i0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-release-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Jul 23, 2025</div> <ul class="related-topics"> <li class="field__item"><div id="taxonomy-term-276" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-press-release-terms"> <a href="/press-release-terms/environment"> <div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Environment</div> </a> <div class="content"> </div> </div> </li> <li class="field__item"><div id="taxonomy-term-279" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-press-release-terms"> <a href="/press-release-terms/infrastructure"> <div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Infrastructure</div> </a> <div class="content"> </div> </div> </li> </ul>
Vasquez Law Firm Legal Team
Published on July 23, 2025
North Carolina Immigration Law Update
Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects
State Law Impact on Immigration
While immigration is primarily federal law, state laws in North Carolina can significantly affect immigrants' daily lives, including driver's licenses, education, employment, and law enforcement interactions.
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<span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects</span>
lsaito
<div class="field field--name-field-city-location field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Raleigh, NC</div>
<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Governor Josh Stein announced today that 27 counties across the state will receive more than $204 million in funding for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes, and improve resiliency after future storms.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">“When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” <strong>said Governor Josh Stein.</strong> “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes." <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” <strong>said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. </strong>“This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Notable projects include:<o:p></o:p></p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Bryson City (Swain County) </strong>will receive $9.2 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for wastewater treatment plant improvements.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Waynesville (Haywood County) </strong>will receive $8.2 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for improvements to the Little Champion Gravity Sewer and Pump Station.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Graham (Alamance County) </strong>will receive $3.4 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant improvements. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County)</strong> will receive $20.5 million from IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for the P.O. Hoffer / Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) facility.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of River Bend (Craven County)</strong> will receive $6.3 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for Phase II drinking water improvements.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority</strong> will receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for GAC filters for PFAS removal. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Lenoir (Caldwell County)</strong> will receive $5.6 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Lower Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Basin Improvements. Lenoir will also receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line funding for its Lead Service Line Inventory Phase 3 project. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Lexington (Davidson County) </strong>will receive $13.7 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Solids Handling Improvements project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Henderson (Vance County)</strong> will receive $10.7 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Sandy Creek Pump Station and Force Main project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Town of Warrenton (Warren County)</strong> will receive $10 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for its Phase IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The City of Sanford (Lee County)</strong> will receive $7.3 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for its Dry Creek Basin Sewer Rehabilitation project and $1 million each for its Sanford/TriRiver Water/Chatham County and Sanford/TriRiver Water/Siler City Lead Service Line Inventory projects.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>The Pfeiffer-North Stanly Water Association (Stanly County) </strong>will receive $4.9 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for its N. Main Street and Old 52 waterline replacement project.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;"><strong>Carolina Water Service, Inc. </strong>will receive a total of $5.5 million for six projects involving PFAS-related, lead service line identification or water line-related funding in Cumberland, Gaston, Moore and Pender counties.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">A <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Fjuly-2025-award-spreadsheet%2Fdownload%3Fattachment%3D&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034093701%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yS6oZDFpL6ti8Z6WyANs3Xf2sTb2GMXllwiKRG31YII%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">list of all projects selected for funding</a> is available on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) website.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 eligible applications, which requested a total of $1.57 billion. The <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D42059804%26msgid%3D522264%26act%3D93CF%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1138083%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.deq.nc.gov%252Fabout%252Fdivisions%252Fwater-infrastructure%252Fstate-water-infrastructure-authority%26cf%3D13425%26v%3Df9d109a0eabcfb138bfed693ca6127bef5a3f206e36752f3370a748d1ae590cb&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034108339%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vpJp52srsw%2BkTNl1pe3z6IPyRitaOOnsKlFPFuYRIYU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">State Water Infrastructure Authority</a> approved the awards during its <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fnews%2Fevents%2Fstate-water-infrastructure-authority-meeting-july-16-2025&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034121957%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZkI41gMxTGtEpYmk4bSfGQ2BisDnL6BoK%2FLVQq1CiaY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">July 16 meeting</a>. The Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Funding this round came from the State Revolving Funds, including IIJA funds. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans that may be partially forgiven for drinking water and wastewater projects. State Revolving Funds are funded by federal capitalization grants and revolving loan repayments. This round included IIJA Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) funds and IIJA Lead Service Line Replacement funds. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">The Division of Water Infrastructure’s Fall 2025 funding round begins July 29. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025. Funding for the Fall 2025 round will come from multiple existing programs, including evaluating options to address PFAS contamination, identifying and replacing lead service lines, and Viable Utility Reserve grants. The Viable Utility Reserve provides grants to local government units that are designated as Distressed for planning and construction projects that will support the long-term viability of the utility. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">In addition, the Division will accept applications on a rolling basis for the new federal supplemental appropriations from the 2025 American Relief Act to build resilience to infrastructure for Hurricane Helene-impacted communities. Helene State Revolving Fund supplemental funds for western North Carolina towns that have experienced Helene damage will continue to be available through year-round applications starting at the end of July until 2026. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">The Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct in-person <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Ffall-2025-application-training-ebs-training-and-water-wastewater-energy-efficiency-training-etc&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034135198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J0sJo7iVLDtO0bXDa02CkIrRTknW96CyIKEcjmSolco%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">funding application training</a> for the Fall 2025 funding round at six locations: Clyde, Hickory, Boone, Fayetteville, Winterville, and Research Triangle Park/Durham. A virtual option via Webex will also be available, and a recording of the training will be posted on the Division’s <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure%2Ffall-2025-application-training-ebs-training-and-water-wastewater-energy-efficiency-training-etc&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034148553%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BlL3Cp0gNY44akDFDO2M2%2FzZWPA9qjfR1wSoJxR6ims%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">training web page</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-top:12.0pt;">Learn more about the Division of Water Infrastructure’s funding programs <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deq.nc.gov%2Fabout%2Fdivisions%2Fwater-infrastructure&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C44b7690e216344b0e26808ddc9f0846e%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638888757034162165%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y5ZV%2BBazwHtQj9ThJCrSOgA3Wni43avw3fQuUnta3i0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></p></div>
<div class="field field--name-field-release-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Jul 23, 2025</div>
<ul class="related-topics">
<li class="field__item"><div id="taxonomy-term-276" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-press-release-terms">
<a href="/press-release-terms/environment">
<div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Environment</div>
</a>
<a href="/press-release-terms/infrastructure">
<div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Infrastructure</div>
</a>
<section class="mb-12">
<h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">How This NC Law Affects Immigrants</h2>
<div class="bg-gray-50 p-6 rounded-lg">
<p class="mb-4">
State laws in North Carolina can impact immigrants in several key areas:
</p>
<ul class="list-disc pl-6 space-y-2 text-gray-700">
<li><strong>Driver's Licenses:</strong> Eligibility and documentation requirements</li>
<li><strong>In-State Tuition:</strong> Access to affordable higher education</li>
<li><strong>Professional Licenses:</strong> Ability to work in licensed professions</li>
<li><strong>Law Enforcement:</strong> Interactions with local police and sheriffs</li>
<li><strong>Public Benefits:</strong> Access to state-funded programs and services</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong> E-Verify requirements and workplace protections</li>
</ul>
</div>
</section>
<section class="mb-12">
<h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">What You Need to Know</h2>
<div class="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
<div class="bg-white p-6 rounded-lg shadow-md border-l-4 border-[#C9974D]">
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3">For Documented Immigrants</h3>
<p>Even with legal status, state laws can affect your rights and benefits.
Stay informed about changes that might impact your work authorization,
driver's license, or access to services.</p>
</div>
<div class="bg-white p-6 rounded-lg shadow-md border-l-4 border-[#C9974D]">
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3">For Undocumented Residents</h3>
<p>Understanding North Carolina state laws is crucial for protecting yourself
and your family. Know your rights and what services are available to you.</p>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<section class="mb-12">
<h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">Action Steps for North Carolina Residents</h2>
<div class="bg-[#6B1F2E] text-white p-8 rounded-lg">
<ol class="space-y-4">
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">1.</span>
<div>
<strong>Review Your Status:</strong> Understand how this law change affects
your specific immigration status and family situation.
</div>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">2.</span>
<div>
<strong>Document Everything:</strong> Keep copies of all important documents
and any interactions with state agencies.
</div>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">3.</span>
<div>
<strong>Know Your Rights:</strong> Understand your rights under both federal
immigration law and North Carolina state law.
</div>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">4.</span>
<div>
<strong>Seek Legal Advice:</strong> Consult with an experienced immigration
attorney who understands North Carolina state laws.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</section>
<section class="mb-12">
<h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">Local Support from Vasquez Law Firm</h2>
<div class="bg-gradient-to-r from-[#C9974D] to-[#d4a574] text-white p-8 rounded-lg">
<p class="text-xl mb-6">
With offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Smithfield, and Goldsboro, Vasquez Law Firm understands the unique
challenges facing immigrants in North Carolina. We stay current on all state
laws that affect our immigrant communities.
</p>
<div class="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
<div>
<h3 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Our NC Services Include:</h3>
<ul class="space-y-2">
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="mr-2">✓</span>
<span>State law compliance guidance</span>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="mr-2">✓</span>
<span>Driver's license assistance</span>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="mr-2">✓</span>
<span>Education access support</span>
</li>
<li class="flex items-start">
<span class="mr-2">✓</span>
<span>Know Your Rights training</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h3 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why Local Expertise Matters</h3>
<p>
Immigration law is complex enough without navigating state-specific
regulations. Our North Carolina-based attorneys understand both federal
immigration law and NC state laws that affect you.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<section class="bg-gradient-to-r from-[#6B1F2E] to-[#8b2635] text-white p-8 rounded-lg shadow-xl">
<h2 class="text-3xl font-bold mb-4">Need Help Understanding This Law?</h2>
<p class="text-xl mb-6">
Don't navigate North Carolina immigration challenges alone. Our bilingual team
is ready to help you understand how these changes affect you and your family.
</p>
<div class="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-4">
<a href="/free-consultation" class="bg-[#C9974D] text-white px-8 py-3 rounded font-bold text-center hover:bg-[#d4a574] transition">
Schedule Free Consultation
</a>
<a href="tel:18449673536" class="bg-white text-[#6B1F2E] px-8 py-3 rounded font-bold text-center hover:bg-gray-100 transition">
Call 1-844-YO-PELEO
</a>
</div>
</section>
<div class="mt-12 p-6 bg-amber-50 border-2 border-amber-200 rounded-lg">
<p class="text-sm text-amber-900">
<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This article discusses North Carolina state law as it may affect
immigrants. State laws change frequently and interact with federal immigration law in
complex ways. This is not legal advice. Please consult with an experienced immigration
attorney familiar with North Carolina law for guidance specific to your situation.
</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-6 text-sm text-gray-600 border-t pt-4">
<p>
Original source: <a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/23/governor-stein-department-environmental-quality-announce-204-million-drinking-water-and-wastewater" class="text-[#6B1F2E] hover:underline"
target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lsaito</a>
</p>
<p class="mt-2">
This content was automatically generated from official sources and reviewed for accuracy.
</p>
</div>
