North Carolina municipalities face a diverse range of infrastructure challenges, from managing mountain streams in the west to addressing coastal flooding along the Atlantic shoreline. Throughout the state, local governments are responsible for maintaining roadway drainage systems, culverts, bridges, and stormwater infrastructure that protect both public safety and natural resources.
With growing populations and increasingly frequent severe weather events, maintaining drainage infrastructure has become both more important and more expensive. Fortunately, North Carolina offers several funding programs through transportation, environmental, and resiliency agencies that help municipalities complete critical infrastructure improvements while reducing the burden on local budgets.
Organizations and Departments Providing Funding
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
The North Carolina Department of Transportation administers several funding programs that support local transportation infrastructure, including projects involving roadway drainage and culvert improvements.
Powell Bill Program
Also called State Street-Aid, the Powell Bill Program distributes state funds annually to municipalities for the maintenance, repair, construction, and improvement of local streets. While municipalities often use these funds for pavement preservation, eligible drainage improvements associated with roadway maintenance may also be funded.
Funding allocations are determined by population and local street mileage.
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
North Carolina’s Transportation Alternatives Program supports transportation projects that improve safety, environmental quality, and community connectivity. Drainage infrastructure associated with eligible transportation improvements may qualify as part of larger projects.
Funding amounts vary by project scope and competitive application cycles.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
The NCDEQ administers several grant and loan programs focused on stormwater management, watershed protection, and flood resilience.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides low-interest financing for water quality infrastructure projects. Municipal stormwater management systems, drainage improvements, and related infrastructure may qualify depending on project eligibility.
Funding is based on project costs and financing needs rather than predetermined grant amounts.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program
This program supports projects that reduce polluted runoff and improve water quality throughout North Carolina watersheds. Municipal drainage improvements that reduce erosion and sediment transport may qualify when they provide measurable environmental benefits.
Grant awards vary annually depending on available federal funding.
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
Communities vulnerable to flooding may benefit from funding administered through the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
Working with FEMA, North Carolina administers the BRIC program as part of their non-disaster grants for projects that reduce future disaster risks. Culvert replacements, drainage system upgrades, flood mitigation projects, and stormwater improvements frequently qualify.
Funding awards often range from several hundred thousand dollars to multiple millions depending on project size and anticipated community benefits.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Following federally declared disasters, municipalities may pursue Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for projects that improve resilience against future flooding and severe weather.
Drainage improvements, culvert upgrades, stream stabilization, and erosion control measures are among the project types commonly considered.
North Carolina Land and Water Fund
The North Carolina Land and Water Fund supports projects that protect water quality, restore natural resources, and reduce flooding impacts.
Local Government Grants
Local governments may apply for funding to support watershed restoration, stream stabilization, stormwater management, and flood reduction projects. Drainage improvements that contribute to healthier watersheds and reduced erosion may align well with funding priorities.
Funding amounts vary by project scope and available appropriations.
Technical Assistance Resources
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners provides local governments with legislative updates, educational opportunities, and information regarding available infrastructure funding programs.
North Carolina League of Municipalities
The League serves municipalities throughout the state by providing policy guidance, grant information, and educational resources that help communities identify funding opportunities and strengthen infrastructure planning.
North Carolina State University Stormwater Engineering Group
North Carolina State University offers research, technical guidance, and educational resources related to stormwater management, watershed protection, and resilient infrastructure. Municipalities may benefit from these resources when developing drainage improvement projects.
Regional Councils of Governments
North Carolina’s regional Councils of Governments provide planning assistance, grant-writing support, and technical expertise to municipalities throughout the state. Smaller communities often rely on these organizations when pursuing competitive infrastructure funding.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina municipalities have access to a wide range of funding opportunities that support culvert replacements, roadway drainage improvements, stormwater management, and flood mitigation initiatives. Understanding these programs and leveraging available technical assistance can help communities complete important infrastructure projects while maximizing available funding.
Communities that plan ahead, document infrastructure needs thoroughly, and develop projects that align with state and federal priorities are often the most successful in securing funding. By taking a proactive approach, municipalities can improve drainage infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs, and build more resilient communities for the future.