The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is distributing more than $185.6 million in State Street Aid to the 508 qualified municipalities that participate in the Powell Bill program.
The annual allocation is disbursed to cities and towns primarily for resurfacing the municipally maintained streets located within corporate limits.
It brings positive news to cash-strapped municipalities, including 110 of the communities in areas that were most impacted by Hurricane Helene.
"Powell Bill funds often bridge a meaningful gap in resources, helping cities and towns keep up with demands on their local transportation systems," said North Carolina Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson in a press release. "We are pleased to help address these critical needs and grateful to our state leaders for their continued support of this program."
The Powell Bill website has additional program support information such as the Powell Bill expenditure guidance, which includes a list of eligible and ineligible Powell Bill expenditures.
The initial allocation, or half of the total appropriation, was disbursed earlier this fall. The other half will be distributed by Jan. 1, according to Molly Stevens, NCDOT Powell Bill Program coordinator.
In addition to resurfacing municipal streets, Powell Bill funds can also be used to maintain, repair, construct or widen streets, bridges and drainage areas within the corporate limits. Municipalities can also use the funds to plan, construct and maintain bike paths, greenways or sidewalks. The participating municipalities attest each year they are qualified to participate in the Powell Bill Program by submitting the annually required Powell Bill information.
Funding for the Powell Bill comes from revenues generated by the gas tax and other highway user fees. The amount each municipality receives is based on a formula set by the N.C. General Assembly, with 75 percent of the funds based on population and 25 percent based on the number of certified, municipally maintained street miles.
The first allocation of Powell Bill funds was for $4.5 million and was distributed to 386 municipalities.
The complete list of municipalities that are receiving Powell Bill funds can also be found on the Powell Bill website.
Within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area, the following municipalities will receive funds:
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