The Research Triangle Environmental Health Collaborative and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality are to host this month the summit, “North Carolina Water and Equity: Addressing Water Infrastructure Needs and Funding in Disadvantaged Areas.”
The summit is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, in the North Carolina Biotech Center in Research Triangle Park, 15 TW Alexander Drive, Durham. There is an in-person and virtual participation option.
Sponsor Spotlight
Register online for the free event at https://environmentalhealthcollaborative.org/2022-summit-registration/. The agenda is available on the website.
Organizers said the one-day summit is to bring together representatives from state, federal and local government, academia and research, community groups and businesses to accomplish the following:
- Learn about priorities and concerns of communities and local governments on projects regarding providing service in disadvantaged areas, pertaining to funding and infrastructure.
- 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.
- Provide guidance to DEQ in identifying where such projects are needed to communicate funding opportunities to communities and to local governments.
“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,” according to organizers. “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.”
