$34.6 Million Boosts Cumberland County Water Infrastructure

$34.6 Million Boosts Cumberland County Water Infrastructure

Cumberland County| Local Government
July 24, 2025•3 min read

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Governor Josh Stein yesterday announced that several Cumberland County-based agencies will receive over $34.6 million in state and federal funding for seven significant water infrastructure projects. These awards, part of the latest round from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the State Water Infrastructure Authority (SWIA), are set to dramatically improve access to clean and safe drinking water throughout the county.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere expressed profound gratitude for the substantial investment. “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 Chairman deViere. “We are deeply grateful for the state’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all our residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.”

The awarded funds will address critical needs, including $5 million for Gray's Creek Phase 2 and $2.85 million for innovative PFAS treatment technology, which aims to protect families from harmful "forever chemicals."

“This funding delivers transformative solutions countywide — from Gray's Creek to Brookwood, Tanglewood Estates to Glenville Lake,” deViere emphasized. “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 initiatives were awarded $34,612,335 for the following projects:

  • Aqua North Carolina, Inc. – Brookwood Community Ion Exchange Filters: $5,811,200 (IIJA DWSRF-EC-C, IIJA DWSRF-EC-C & DWSRF, IIJA DWSRF-EC-S)

  • Carolina Water Service, Inc. – PFAS Implementation at Tanglewood Estates: $450,313 (IIJA DWSRF-EC-C)

  • Cumberland County Government – Gray’s Creek Phase 2: $5,000,000 (IIJA DWSRF-EC-C)

  • Cumberland County Government – Landfill Leachate PFAS Treatment: $2,850,822 (IIJA CWSRF-EC-C)

  • Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) – PO Hoffer/Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) Facility: $20,500,000 (IIJA DWSRF-EC-C & DWSRF)

The largest single allocation, a significant $20.5 million, was granted to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission for the construction of a Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) facility at the P.O. Hoffer/Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant. This 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,” added Chairman deViere.

Chairman deViere also recognized the crucial 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 stated. “Their advocacy has been instrumental in bringing these vital resources to Cumberland County.”

Despite this success, county leaders expressed concern about proposed cuts to federal SRF programs in the FY2026 federal budget, which could see funding reduced from $2.76 billion to just $305 million—an 89% decrease.

“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.”

DeViere urged the congressional delegation to continue their strong advocacy for these essential programs. “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, please visit cumberlandcountync.gov, download the MyCCNCGov app, or follow CCNCGOV on social media.

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