Research Triangle Environmental Health Collaborative/NC Department of Environmental Quality Summit

North Carolina Water and Equity

Addressing water infrastructure needs and funding in disadvantaged areas

The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated close to $2 billion from the state's share of the American Rescue Plan Act for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater investments. In addition, the federal infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act will provide over $1 billion in funding for North Carolina to supplement existing State Revolving Fund programs. There are focused efforts to ensure that funding is made available to address the needs of disadvantaged, underserved communities. Stakeholders include community members, local, state and federal government, and technical service providers. 

Convene a one-day summit involving appropriate stakeholders, thought leaders and experts across North Carolina (state/federal/local government, academia/research, community groups, business) to: 

1. Learn about priorities and concerns of a) communities and b) local governments on projects regarding service in disadvantaged areas (as pertains to funding and infrastructure).
2. Develop resource documents and peer-to-peer networks to educate communities and local governments on next steps or considerations if interested in pursuing a project to provide service in disadvantaged areas.
3. Provide guidance to NCDEQ in identifying where such projects are needed to communicate funding opportunities to communities and to local governments. 

Agenda

8 - 9 a.m. 

• Registration/Networking 

9 - 10:15 a.m.

• Summit Overview for David Hinton, Duke University (retired)
• NC Department of Environmental Quality updates from Shadi Eskaf
• Moderated Community Panel Discussion (local government, citizens, others)

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.

• Break

10: 30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• 3 concurrent breakouts (community members, local government, stakeholders/state funding agencies)

12:15 - 12:45 p.m.

• Breakout group report backs to all attendees

12:45 - 1:30 p.m.

• Lunch

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

• 3 concurrent breakouts (mixed participation)

3:30 - 3:45 p.m.

• Break

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

• Final report backs to all attendees