Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday $282 million in loans and grants to help pay for 94 drinking water and wastewater projects statewide.

The project funding was approved at the State Water Infrastructure Authority’s Feb. 10 meeting. The Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Other responsibilities include developing a state water infrastructure master plan, recommending ways to maximize the use of available loan and grant funding resources, and examining best and emerging practices.

Notable projects in the latest funding round include $1,268,000 in ASADRA principal forgiveness loan funding for the City of Goldsboro to consolidate the Big Cherry Pump Station and relocate the Little Cherry Pump Station out of the 100-year flood plain.

“North Carolina’s communities need resilient, viable water infrastructure systems to support economic development. Funding these projects helps counties and towns with aging water infrastructure deliver clean, safe water to attract new jobs and keep people healthy,” said Governor Cooper.