News

Appropriations bill contains $19 million for mountain counties

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 10, 2024

Bills passed by Congress as part of a fiscal year 2024 appropriations package contained $18.7 million for community projects in the 11th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards announced.

“Throughout my district work periods, I have heard from law enforcement, first responders and community leaders all across our mountains about critical needs in our communities,” Edwards said Friday in a news release. “I am happy that lawmakers in the House and Senate have recognized the merit in my requests to fund these community projects to help make life better for Western North Carolinians. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to continuing to advocate for WNC priorities in a fiscally responsible manner.”

The following community project funding requests made by Edwards were passed by Congress:

• $2.8 million for facility upgrades to St. Luke's Hospital in Polk County.
• $2.5 million for a new EMS facility in Clay County.
• $750,000 for water infrastructure improvements in the town of Murphy.
• $1 million for broadband expansion in Haywood County.
• $80,000 for a water rescue boat for emergencies in Graham and Swain counties.
• $1.3 million for water infrastructure improvements for the Town of Rutherfordton.
• $1.5 million for public safety communication upgrades in Madison County.
• $1 million for public safety communication upgrades in Transylvania County.
• $100,000 for portable substance analyzers for law enforcement in Yancey County.
• $1.75 million for a new regional wastewater treatment plant in the town of Canton.
• $1 million to expand water treatment plant capacity in the town of Weaverville.
• $5 million to renovate and upgrade the Workforce & Industry Center at Haywood Community College.