Rocky Mount outlines state and federal legislative priorities, flags lead-line and PFAS costs for utilities

City staff presented a proposed state and federal legislative agenda that would seek directed grants and policy support for water and sewer infrastructure projects, affordable housing, workforce development and local economic development priorities.

The agenda requests funding for outfall rehabilitation and replacement projects (combined estimated future cost noted at about $7 million), and asks support for a regional, city-coordinated strategy for wet-weather mitigation. Staff also sought advocacy against unfunded federal mandates and called for clarity on who pays for potential new responsibilities arising from federal guidance.

Staff identified two federal issues of concern: the treatment and replacement of lead service lines (noting that many of those lines are on the customer side of the meter and that responsibility for cost allocation needs clarification) and emerging Environmental Protection Agency guidance on PFAS chemicals. The city noted that PFAS-treatment requirements could impose "considerable" treatment costs and asked legislators to consider funding mechanisms or phased implementation.

On housing, staff asked for continued funding and policy support for preserving and expanding affordable housing stock and for assistance to local nonprofits that provide transitional housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. The agenda also included requests to promote private investment in disadvantaged areas, fund intersection and traffic improvements, and expand targeted grants for downtown and infrastructure upgrades.

Councilors suggested adding workforce-development board members and other regional training partners to the workforce-development request. Staff said the agenda will be split into separate state and federal documents and offered to distribute the final package for council approval at the upcoming regular council meeting.