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Kinston pursues state and federal water and sewer grants for Grove Park, Washington Avenue
Summary
Staff told council Kinston will apply for a spring state revolving fund award to replace prioritized Grove Park waterlines and a fall CDBG‑I grant (approx. $3 million) for Washington Avenue sewer replacement; staff will collect household surveys to meet the 51% low‑to‑moderate‑income threshold.
Kinston staff told the City Council on April 7 that the city will pursue two grant opportunities to address failing water and sewer infrastructure.
Engineering Project Manager Sharmane Powell said the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure is offering approximately $50 million in spring funding, including $18 million in principal forgiveness, with an application deadline of April 30. Staff recommended submitting a spring application for the Grove Park waterline project, citing repeated breaks and a prioritized map of sections that need replacement.
For fall funding, Powell recommended targeting the Community Development Block Grant‑Infrastructure (CDBG‑I) program for the Washington Avenue sewer replacement. That program offers competitive awards (staff referenced a possible $3 million application) and requires projects to demonstrably benefit at least 51% low‑to‑moderate‑income persons. To document eligibility, staff will distribute surveys (English and Spanish, QR codes and door‑to‑door follow up) to about 120 households in the Washington Avenue area.
Assistant Public Services Director Henry McLean said staff will present a Grove Park resolution at the next council meeting and will continue surveying residents to support the CDBG‑I application. Council members suggested partnering with the Housing Authority and using consistent messaging (an “elevator speech”) and public information videos to improve survey response rates.
The staff presentation emphasized that replacing old galvanized and cast‑iron lines will reduce breaks, leaks and service interruptions; staff described using 10 years of break history to prioritize segments.
