The aid will be used mainly to fix streets
RALEIGH, N.C. — More than $185.6 million in State Street Aid is being distributed to 508 North Carolina municipalities as part of this year’s Powell Bill program, the N.C. Department of Transportation announced.
The annual funding supports cities and towns across the state by helping them resurface and maintain municipally owned streets. This year’s allocation comes as welcome news for many communities still recovering financially — including 110 municipalities heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“Powell Bill funds often bridge a meaningful gap in resources, helping cities and towns keep up with demands on their local transportation systems,” said NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson. “We are pleased to help address these critical needs and grateful to our state leaders for their continued support of this program.”
Half of the total appropriation was released earlier this fall, with the remaining funds scheduled for distribution by Jan. 1, according to Molly Stevens, NCDOT Powell Bill Program coordinator.
Wayne County Allocations
Wayne County municipalities will benefit from the latest round of funding, receiving a combined boost for local infrastructure needs:
- Goldsboro: $1,214,508.58
- Mount Olive: $183,173.37
- Walnut Creek: $55,340.64
- Fremont: $54,717.24
- Pikeville: $30,011.01
- Eureka: $8,488.13
- Seven Springs: $5,108.21
How Powell Bill Funds May Be Used
Municipalities can use Powell Bill funds for a wide range of transportation-related projects, including:
- Resurfacing local streets
- Maintaining, repairing, or widening streets, bridges, and drainage systems
- Planning and constructing bike paths, greenways, and sidewalks
Cities and towns must confirm their eligibility each year by submitting required Powell Bill documentation. Funding is generated from the state’s gas tax and other highway user fees, and distributions are based on a General Assembly–set formula: 75% population, 25% certified street mileage.
The Powell Bill, named for former state senator and Whiteville mayor Junius K. Powell, was first established in 1951. The initial distribution totaled $4.5 million shared among 386 municipalities. Today, the program continues to serve as a critical resource for local transportation systems across North Carolina.
A complete list of municipalities receiving funds is available on the Powell Bill website.
