The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) was recently awarded a $2.6 million federal grant to monitor and control pollution to ensure clean beaches and safe drinking water in the state, the Environmental Protection Agency said.
The funding is funneled through the Clean Water Act and is designed to execute environmental initiatives at the state level. NCDEQ Secretary Michael Regan expressed gratitude for the assistance, which is slated to fulfill environmental management program administration.
“North Carolina appreciates this important grant support from the EPA,” NCDEQ Secretary Michael Regan said in the release. “These funds and monies received through state appropriations are critical to our state’s continued natural resource protection and economic competitiveness.”
NCDEQ’s work encompasses cleanup of once-contaminated areas, regulatory maintenance such as permits and inspections work, and overseeing watershed health. The department previously obtained $1,3 million in funding this year and expects to receive additional capital during 2017.
“Providing funds directly to North Carolina is an excellent example of EPA partnering with states to help address their unique and critical environmental challenges,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said in the release. “EPA is making investments like this grant to help empower states who know best how to protect resources, and grow their economy while solving real environmental problems in local communities.”
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