Funding Forward: Water Infrastructure Funding That Builds Resilient Communities
Communities across the U.S. count on safe, reliable water and wastewater systems to protect public health, support economic stability, and enable long term growth.
When those systems are challenged by aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, or extreme weather events, access to timely funding can determine whether projects stall or move forward.
Following Hurricane Helene and amid evolving regulatory and environmental pressures, many local governments and water utilities faced complex funding decisions tied to both immediate recovery and long-term resilience. Successfully navigating multiple funding programs, eligibility requirements, and competitive application processes requires technical expertise and a deep understanding of community priorities.
With strategic funding guidance from Bolton & Menk, communities across North Carolina secured more than $10 million through nine funding applications spanning six programs. These resources are now helping local governments and nonprofit water systems advance critical water and wastewater projects that address urgent needs while strengthening system reliability for the future.
“Working with Bolton & Menk allowed the Town of Boiling Springs to secure millions of dollars in funding to address critical infrastructure needs,” said Zachary Parker, Town Manager of Boiling Springs. “The collaborative and seamless process brought together experts from several subject areas, from funding assistance to engineering, which allowed the Town to submit well-crafted, highly competitive applications for funding.”
Administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure, these grant and loan programs provide essential support for recovery, modernization, and resilience. Bolton & Menk’s funding experts worked closely with clients and embraced a community driven strategy, helping communities move through complex requirements and position their projects for success.
Supporting Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Boiling Springs, Elk Park, and Royal Gorge Water Utility all received construction funding in the form of principal forgiveness to help address infrastructure recovery challenges resulting from Hurricane Helene. These funding awards support a variety of improvements designed to restore service, strengthen system reliability, and reduce vulnerability to future disruptions.
“Bolton & Menk’s expertise and proactive guidance helped us navigate a complex process with confidence and clarity,” said Robert Suggs, Finance Director at Royal Gorge Water Utility. “This funding will allow us to move forward with essential improvements that directly benefit the community we serve.”
Projects funded through these awards vary in scope and include:
- SCADA and electrical system upgrades
- More than 2,500 linear feet of waterline rehabilitation
- Watermain extensions and interconnects
- Sewer lift station repair and rehabilitation
- A new headworks system for a wastewater treatment plant
- Installation of generators
- Other critical improvements
Together, these projects help communities rebuild stronger and better prepare for future challenges.
How Water Infrastructure Funding Supports Recovery and Resilience
Building Strong Partnerships Through the Process
Across communities, local leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination throughout the funding process. Aligning funding strategy with engineering insight and community priorities helped ensure applications were both competitive and well positioned for implementation.
“The collaborative, seamless process brought together experts from funding assistance to engineering, which enabled the Town to submit well-crafted, highly competitive grant applications,” said Connie Quinn, Mayor of Elk Park.
Moving Communities Forward Through Water Infrastructure Funding
Securing funding is often just the first step. As projects move forward, continued coordination, technical support, and long-term planning play a critical role in translating funding awards into lasting system improvements. Ongoing engineering and project delivery support helps communities build on prior investments and strengthen utility performance over time.
In several cases, early funding efforts have opened the door to addressing emerging challenges and expanding the scope of system improvements. Additional resources have allowed utilities to evaluate water quality concerns, assess system conditions, and align new studies with previously funded planning and assessment efforts. Together, these coordinated investments support informed decision making and help communities advance resilient, forward-looking solutions.
