In its 2017 Infrastructure Master Plan, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) estimated that over the next 20 years, the combined capital needs for water and wastewater systems will range from $17 billion to $26 billion. While this number alone may be daunting for local government utilities, there are additional significant capital needs for stormwater infrastructure not included in those estimates. Unfortunately, in contrast to water and wastewater infrastructure costs, it has been more challenging for entities to quantify costs associated with stormwater infrastructure needs. Recently, however, there has been a change in this trend, and more state and federal entities are starting to focus on identifying stormwater needs.

This report, funded by DWI, lays out the current finance landscape for stormwater across the state, challenges faced, and what's necessary to clear the hurtles ahead. Clink the link above to download the report or visit https://efc.sog.unc.edu/project/stormwater-programs-administration-and-finance to learn more about the EFC's work on this topic.