Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Funding Program

The Lead Service Line Replacement funding opportunity is supported through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates significant national investment toward the removal and replacement of lead service lines in drinking water systems. This initiative is administered at the state level, with North Carolina implementing the program through its water infrastructure financing mechanisms. The broader federal program directs a total of 15 billion dollars over five years into the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, with a portion of these funds structured as principal forgiveness loans, effectively functioning as grants for qualifying disadvantaged communities, while the remaining funds are distributed as low interest loans. The primary purpose of this funding is to eliminate public health risks associated with lead exposure in drinking water by supporting the identification, removal, and replacement of lead service lines and related components. Eligible projects include comprehensive activities such as inventorying lead service lines, removing both publicly and privately owned lead pipes, replacing connectors and related infrastructure, and restoring affected sites after construction. The funding also supports planning, design, mapping, and non-routine lead sampling associated with these replacement efforts. However, the program explicitly restricts the use of funds for indoor plumbing or interior fixtures, focusing only on infrastructure between the water main and the building inlet. Eligible applicants for this funding include local governments, nonprofit water companies, and investor-owned water utilities. These entities may apply for financing to undertake qualifying infrastructure improvements. While all eligible applicants may access low interest loans, principal forgiveness is reserved for disadvantaged communities and is subject to availability and prioritization criteria established by the administering authority. The allocation of funds within the state depends on demand and the number of eligible projects submitted. The application process operates on a rolling basis, allowing applicants to submit proposals year round. Applicants must complete a standardized rolling application form and submit it online through the designated funding portal. Submitted applications are reviewed and awarded during regularly scheduled State Water Infrastructure Authority meetings, which occur multiple times each year. These meetings serve as formal decision points for funding approvals, aligning project readiness with available funding cycles. The program follows a structured annual schedule of application review cycles, with approximate submission deadlines tied to specific authority meeting dates. For example, applications submitted by early January may be considered for awards in mid-February, while later submissions align with additional meetings throughout the year. This recurring structure provides multiple entry points for applicants, increasing accessibility and flexibility for project planning and submission. Evaluation of applications is tied to project eligibility, readiness, and alignment with program goals, including the effective removal of lead hazards and compliance with federal and state regulations. Applicants may be required to provide engineering reports, environmental documentation, and supporting materials as part of the review process. Guidance documents and application resources are made available to assist applicants in preparing compliant and competitive submissions. Program administration includes designated contacts for applicant support, providing technical and procedural assistance throughout the application process. These contacts serve as key resources for clarifying eligibility, application requirements, and project scope considerations. Overall, the funding program represents a sustained, multi-year effort to improve public health infrastructure through systematic lead service line replacement, with recurring funding opportunities expected as part of the broader federal investment framework.