The North Carolina Local Government Commission on Tuesday approved financing that moves Fayetteville Public Works Commission closer to building a major treatment system to remove PFAS, or "forever chemicals," from drinking water.

The commission approved a $62.5 million State Revolving Fund loan and authorized up to $67 million in future revenue bonds to complete financing for the utility's planned granular activated carbon treatment facilities.

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The approvals came during the commission's Aug. 4 meeting, where members also signed off on more than $814 million in financing requests for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, school, housing and public safety projects across North Carolina.

Among the largest water-related approvals was Greensboro's request for up to $290 million in revenue bond anticipation notes to finance improvements to its water and sewer system. The projects include PFAS treatment upgrades at the Mitchell and Lake Townsend water treatment plants, improvements at the T.Z. Osborne Wastewater Treatment Plant and other water system resiliency projects.

Other water infrastructure approvals included:

  • Charlotte: $110 million in revenue bond anticipation notes for stormwater improvements, including flood control projects and system upgrades.
    • Oxford: $3.6 million in interim financing for water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

      The commission also approved financing for several other projects, including:

      • $26 million for renovations at two Lincoln County elementary schools.
        • $10.2 million for improvements at four Person County elementary schools.
          • $20 million for rehabilitation of the 150-unit Solomon Towers affordable housing community in Wilmington.
            • $13.5 million for Axon body-worn cameras and related equipment for the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.
              • $10.8 million for a new public safety facility in Valdese.
                • Vehicle financing for Newport and Norwood.

                  The Local Government Commission, chaired by State Treasurer Brad Briner, reviews and approves most debt issued by North Carolina local governments and public authorities. The commission evaluates whether proposed borrowing is appropriate for each project and whether local governments can reasonably repay the debt.