The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant grant award to support water quality improvements in North Carolina's Brunswick County. Ramon Torres, Director of the Environmental Justice, Community Health and Environmental Review Division at EPA’s Southeast Regional Office, disclosed the nearly $20 million grant during an event in Supply, NC.
The funding will benefit the unincorporated communities of Supply, Ash, and Longwood located within the Gullah Geechee corridor. The project aims to enhance water quality by removing lead pipes and implementing nature-based solutions for wetland restoration and flood reduction.
“EPA is gratified to be able to award this funding to the Supply, Ash, and Longwood communities in Brunswick County,” stated Ramon Torres. “This project focuses on removal and replacement of lead pipes from the drinking water system and restoring a local wetland system in historically marginalized communities of color.”
This initiative is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allocates resources for environmental justice projects aimed at disadvantaged communities. Congressman Wiley Nickel highlighted that these efforts will address pollution challenges while boosting community resilience against climate impacts.
Representative Frank Iler emphasized that these grants are crucial for areas lacking a tax base or benefiting from coastal tourism. Mike Forte, Chairman of Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, praised the initiative as it alleviates financial burdens on residents while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Mikey Fulk from The Working Lands Trust expressed honor in collaborating with Democracy Green on this pivotal project: “This investment in Brunswick County's communities is an investment in clean water for all of us.”
Sanja Whittington from Democracy Green noted that this grant represents a commitment to justice and sustainability: “Together, we are excited to lead efforts that prioritize equity... This is a pivotal moment for our communities.”
Further details about EPA’s Community Change Grants Program can be found online.
