FY27 Community Project Funding Requests
Recipient: Balsam Grove Volunteer Rescue
Address: PO Box 125, Balsam Grove, NC 28708
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: Balsam Grove Fire Station
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Rural Community Facilities Program
Project Description: The funding would be used for the construction of a new fire station. The new station would have all apparatuses under one roof with five drive-thru bays. There will be gender specific crews' quarters, restrooms, storage, and office space, the station will have a place for turnout gear to be stored away from toxic carcinogens, and it will be ADA compliant. This new fire station is essential having experienced hurricanes and severe storms in the past, so it is important to have for the safety of the community.
Recipient: Blue Ridge Community Health Services
Address: 220 5th Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: Blue Ridge Community Health Services' Family Medicine Residency Center
Subcommittee: Labor, Health, and Human Services
Eligible Account: HRSA-Wide Activities and Program Support
Project Description: Blue Ridge Health plans to construct a 36,000-square-foot Family Medicine Residency Center that will function as both a high-volume community clinic and a state-of-the-art training facility specifically for residency education. Facility features include a welcoming patient entry with a front desk and accessible restrooms, spaces for interpreters and patient navigators, thirty exam rooms and three procedure rooms organized into two care team pods, a centralized laboratory and sterilization services, behavioral health integration, a 2,000+ square foot on-site pharmacy with a drive-through, resident workspaces, precepting rooms, and a 30-person conference/training room, and structured parking. This purpose-built facility will enable efficient, team-based care while supporting high-quality medical education and interdisciplinary collaboration. This project is a strategic investment in people, place, and the future of rural healthcare in western North Carolina.
Recipient: City of Asheville
Address: 70 Court Plaza, P.O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Project Name: City of Asheville French Broad River Parkland Corridor Improvements
Subcommittee: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: HUD/Community Planning and Development/ Economic Development Initiatives
Project Description: The funding would be used to implement additional improvements along the French Broad River parkland corridor in Asheville. Planned improvements include implementing stormwater control features, fortifying proposed park features, and/or installing reinforced planned recreational amenities. These funds would allow the city to build infrastructure that is better protected from future storms and flooding, and help ensure that parks, trails, and amenities remain accessible for residents and visitors. Improvements such as enhanced stormwater controls, and reinforced park facilities would protect public investments, reduce future repair costs, and support long-term environmental stewardship of the river corridor. Together, these upgrades would create safer, more reliable public spaces that support recreation, tourism, and community well-being.
Recipient: City of Brevard
Address: 95 West Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: City of Brevard Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Project Description: The requested funding would support Phase 2 of the City of Brevard, North Carolina’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will replace the plant’s aging Rotating Biological Contactors with modern treatment technology, bringing the facility up to current standards and equipping it with systems that are easier to maintain and supported by readily available replacement parts. Phase 2 is expected to increase the plant’s treatment capacity by 20%, providing approximately thirty years of growth capacity for the service area.
Recipient: City of Marion
Address: PO Box 700, Marion, NC 28752
Requested Amount: $3,170,000
Project Name: City of Marion Sewer Collection Basin Improvement Project
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Project Description: The funding would support the City of Marion, North Carolina’s Sewer Collection Basin Improvement Project, a top priority identified in the City’s recent Sewer Asset Inventory and Assessment. The assessment found that many collection lines and manholes are aging and structurally degraded, particularly in basins that convey flow directly to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, making timely rehabilitation essential to protecting water quality and system reliability. The need has become even more urgent following Hurricane Helene, which caused multiple sewer line breaks and allowed river water to infiltrate the collection system, further stressing already compromised infrastructure. Given the documented deficiencies and recent storm-related damage, these basin improvements represent the City’s highest wastewater infrastructure need and a responsible investment in public health and environmental protection.
Recipient: City of Saluda
Address: 6 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Project Name: Saluda Grade Trail and Downtown Improvements Project
Subcommittee: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: HUD/Community Planning and Development/ Economic Development Initiatives
Project Description: The funding would be used for the design, engineering, and construction of the 3.5 mile Saluda segment of the Saluda Grade Trail, creating a safe, accessible, and continuous multi use corridor from downtown Saluda to Henderson County’s Bell Park trailhead. This project focuses on converting an aging rail corridor into a modern, resilient, and ADA compliant trail that meets current standards for surface quality, drainage, slope, and user safety.
Recipient: Clay County
Address: P.O. Box 118, Hayesville, NC 28904
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: Clay County Agriculture Center
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Rural Community Facilities Program
Project Description: The funding would allow for this small, rural, agriculture-dependent community that lacks the basic infrastructure needed to support and grow its farming economy to have a transformative addition to the community’s agriculture and economic landscape. The proposed Agriculture Center—anchored by a 65,000 square foot arena/equestrian facility and a 17,500 square foot farmer’s market—fills a critical gap in the county’s ability to sustain local producers, expand value added agriculture, and provide year round space for community and youth agricultural programs.
Recipient: Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
Address: 61 Terminal Drive, Suite 1, Fletcher, NC 28753
Requested Amount: $2,140,000
Project Name: AVL Stormwater Improvements - Northeast Drainage Outfall Project
Subcommittee: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Airport Improvement Project
Project Description: This funding supports continued aviation development at AVL by creating a resilient and sustainable outfall that alleviates existing flooding issues in critical areas. It is needed so continued infrastructure growth can take place at AVL, an economic anchor organization vital to Western North Carolina’s strength and stability. AVL has experienced unprecedented growth over the past several years. The recently completed Airport Master Plan update shows the necessary improvements and development on the airport owned property. This stormwater improvement project must be completed to move forward with much of this work and will support the following items identified in this master plan update: parking expansion, aeronautical development, new hangars, general aviation ramp/taxiway connectors, and a new maintenance facility.
Recipient: Henderson County EMS
Address: 1 Historic Courthouse Square Suite 2, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Project Name: Henderson County’s Etowah-Horse Shoe Community EMS Substation
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Rural Community Facilities Program
Project Description: The funding would be used for the construction of a new EMS Substation in Henderson County. Construction of the dedicated substation would address rising call volumes and longer response times which would elevate the overall quality of services available to the community. This substation is critical for the community following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Recipient: Land of Sky Regional Council
Address: 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Project Name: Land of Sky Regional Council Housing Stability Needs of Low-Income, Disaster-impacted Households
Subcommittee: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: HUD/Community Planning and Development/ Economic Development Initiatives
Project Description: The funding would support disaster recovery housing efforts for low-income households impacted by Hurricane Helene, including home repair, rehabilitation, replacement, and other stabilization services. It would be implemented through a regional partnership of housing organizations to help families remain safely housed and prevent displacement across affected communities in Western North Carolina.
Recipient: Mitchell County
Address: 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 2, Bakersville, NC 28705
Requested Amount: $5,400,000
Project Name: Mitchell County Resiliency Hub
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Rural Community Facilities Program
Project Description: The funding would construct and develop the Resiliency Hub. This project will transform an existing county-owned facility—located safely outside the floodplain—into a multi-functional center that strengthens disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery for the entire county. The Resiliency Hub will include a dedicated countywide emergency shelter, an emergency feeding facility and community commercial kitchen, offices and operational space, and administrative offices for key county services. Together, these elements create a unified and highly resilient campus that supports both emergency operations and year-round community needs.
Recipient: Mountain Community Health Partnership
Address: 86 N Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC 28705
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: Mountain Community Health Partnership's Expansion of the Burnsville Health Center
Subcommittee: Labor, Health, and Human Services
Eligible Account: HRSA-Wide Activities and Program Support
Project Description: Mountain Community Health Partnership (MCHP), a Federally Qualified Health Center operating in Mitchell and Yancey Counties in western North Carolina, requests $3,000,000 to advance development of a new, expanded Burnsville Health Center in Yancey County, NC. Federal funds will support grading and site preparation, public utility connections, and pre-construction planning. Combined with $3,000,000 from MCHP's general fund for property acquisition and civil engineering, the total $6,000,000 project will position MCHP to construct a modern health center serving the medically underserved residents of Yancey County and surrounding communities. This project follows the successful expansion of MCHP's Spruce Pine Health Center in Mitchell County and represents a critical next step in expanding access to high-quality primary care across Western North Carolina.
Recipient: Town of Burnsville
Address: PO Box 97, Burnsville, NC 28714
Requested Amount: $421,000
Project Name: Town of Burnsville Police Station Improvement
Subcommittee: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Byrne JAG
Project Description: The Town of Burnsville has made significant strides in developing a modern, secure, and efficient police facility designed to meet current and future public safety needs. This project includes the renovation of existing law enforcement space to improve operational capacity, officer safety, evidence security, and public accessibility. However, while the physical structure is nearing completion, additional funding is needed to fully outfit the facility with essential equipment. Specifically, federal assistance would support the acquisition of evidence storage systems and secure chain-of-custody infrastructure; communications and dispatch technology upgrades; officer safety equipment and protective gear; interview and investigation room technology; records management and digital evidence systems; facility furnishings and operational equipment necessary for daily policing functions. A fully equipped police department is essential not only for effective law enforcement operations but also for maintaining public trust, ensuring proper evidence handling for prosecution, and meeting state and federal standards. The new facility will enhance our ability to collaborate with regional partners, respond to emergencies, and provide a safe and professional environment for both officers and the public. As a small rural municipality, Burnsville faces unique financial challenges in funding large capital and equipment needs. Federal support would significantly reduce the burden on our local taxpayers while ensuring that our police department is properly equipped to meet the demands of modern policing.
Recipient: Town of Clyde
Address: PO Box 386, Clyde, NC 28721
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Name: Madison County Public Safety Center
Subcommittee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Rural Community Facilities Program
Project Description: The funding would be used to construct a consolidated Public Works Facility outside of the 100-year floodplain. The Town’s two existing maintenance shops were substantially damaged during Hurricane Helene and were located within the 100-year floodplain, making them vulnerable to repeat disaster-related losses. This project will replace both damaged facilities with a single, modern, resilient Public Works Facility located outside of the floodplain. The new facility will ensure uninterrupted essential services, improve emergency response capacity, reduce long-term recovery costs, and strengthen community resilience against future disasters.
Recipient: Town of Fletcher
Address: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
Requested Amount: $1,400,000
Project Name: Town of Fletcher Fanning Bridge Road Sewer System Extension
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Project Description: Areas of Fletcher do not have sanitary sewer service but would greatly benefit from this service due to struggling septic systems. One particular area that would benefit from the extension of sewer is a neighborhood located off of Fanning Bridge Road. This neighborhood consists of the properties located on Westfield Road, North Hudson Lane, and Dogwood Terrace. The Town has been in communication with the Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD) to discuss the logistics for extending sewer service to the Fanning Bridge Road neighborhood.
Recipient: Town of Murphy
Address: PO Box 130, Murphy, NC 28906
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Project Name: Town of Murphy Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Project Description: A limiting factor in meeting water and sewer challenges is the need to upgrade and expand the Town’s wastewater treatment plant. This request is for a phased capital project to expand the capacity of the plant to 2.1 MGD from its current 1.4 MGD. In addition, the project includes the rehabilitation and upgrade of several existing process components to improve operational efficiencies.
Recipient: Town of Robbinsville
Address: PO Box 126, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Project Name: Town of Robbinsville Sewer Line Infrastructure Project
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Project Description: The funding would construct Town of Robbinsville, North Carolina’s Sewer Line Infrastructure Project. This project is a responsible and good use of taxpayer dollars because it will extend sanitary sewer service to an area currently lacking adequate wastewater infrastructure, reducing the risk of untreated wastewater entering local waterways. By ensuring that all flows from existing and anticipated industrial activity are directed to a regulated treatment system, the project will strengthen water quality protections, safeguard groundwater and surface waters, and support responsible development in Robbinsville and Graham County.
Recipient: Town of Spruce Pine
Address: 2 N Main St, Marshall, NC 28753
Requested Amount: $435,000
Project Name: Spruce Pine's Law Enforcement Department
Subcommittee: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Project Description: This project would bring their local Law Enforcement Dept up to standard: Tasers: $75,000 (current tasers are +15yrs old and are no longer certifiable) Service Pistols: $25,000 (current pistols are iron sight, +10yrs old and do not have optics) Shotguns: $15,000 (current shotguns are +10yrs old and do not have optics) Vehicles: 4 @ $80,000 (currently using 3 hand-me-down vehicles from other agencies, donated to the department after Helene. Other vehicles are high miles, and +10yrs old).
Recipient: Town of Woodfin
Address: 90 Elk Mountain Rd, Woodfin, NC 28804
Requested Amount: $6,300,000
Project Name: Town of Woodfin Water Infrastructure Improvement Project
Subcommittee: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Project Description: About 12% of Woodfin’s land and residents are west of the French Broad River. This area consists mainly of owner-occupied manufactured homes on mid- to large-sized lots, often with multi-generational households. Most properties rely on aging wells and septic systems that are in poor but functioning condition. The Town seeks to extend water service to support current residents and encourage infill housing. Improved infrastructure would provide safe drinking water and add fire hydrants in an area that currently lacks them. As a lower-wealth community with a $7.5M operating budget, Woodfin cannot fund major infrastructure projects alone. Most grants prioritize repairs over new extensions. Installing about 10,000 linear feet of primary waterlines could serve 100+ homes and allow future secondary extensions. In 2025, the Town formed a Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee to refine plans and cost estimates as funding options are pursued.
Recipient: Transylvania County
Address: 101 S Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712
Requested Amount: $400,000
Project Name: Transylvania County Sheriff's Office Mobile Command Vehicle
Subcommittee: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Eligible Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Project Description: Cybersecurity is a growing threat for all governmental entities. Counties in NC provide a wide array of public safety support including the Sheriff's office, EMS, Dispatch and Fire Safety. Having updated and robust equipment supports all of those functions while maintaining security that protects the integrity of their work and resident private information from cyberattack. Transylvania County is actively making investments to protect resident information and county operations from cyber-attacks while also preparing the network to with efficiency and resiliency.