City of Marion administrative offices will have a delayed opening of 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Due to another night of forecasted extremely cold weather, and the high likelihood of re-freezing on roads overnight and throughout the morning tomorrow, the City of Marion administrative offices will have a delayed opening of 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management has awarded two
grants to the City of Marion for Helene-related sewer infrastructure projects. Each grant totals $1,243,750 - the maximum available funding under the program.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Marion Receives $2,487,500 in Grant Funding for Helene Wastewater Projects
December 18, 2025
Marion, N.C. — The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management has awarded two
grants to the City of Marion for Helene-related sewer infrastructure projects. Each grant totals
$1,243,750 for a combined award of $2,487,500, the maximum available funding under the
program. These grants are provided through North Carolina’s Helene Local Government Capital
Grant Program, which was established for local governments and federally recognized tribes in
western North Carolina to repair, renovate or replace infrastructure damaged by Hurricane
Helene.
The first grant award supports a project that will bury an aerial sewer line that was destroyed
during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The sewer line currently crosses a river; burying
the line will mitigate future damage to sewer infrastructure that may result from major flood
events.
The second award contributes to a larger project to make repairs and replace infrastructure at the
Corpening Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Marion’s wastewater treatment plant was
significantly strained as a result of Hurricane Helene. This funding will allow the City to repair
and replace infrastructure that primarily addresses debris entering the sewer system during heavy
rainfall events. The project will also enhance the Plant’s ability to manage ongoing debris
impacts due to the continuing effects of Hurricane Helene.
“This grant funding is an important step in the City’s infrastructure recovery from Hurricane
Helene,” said City Manager Woody Ayers. “These projects will not only make repairs but also
strengthen the resilience in Marion’s sewer system. We appreciate the swift work of the State to
appropriate and provide these important funds to Western North Carolina. The City remains
committed to pursuing all available grant opportunities to mitigate costs for our customers.”
The City of Marion is excited to announce that we’ve secured grant funding to make major improvements to the Clinchfield Community sewer system!
We are excited to announce that Marion, N.C. was picked as one of Blue Ridge Outdoors 2025 Top 100 Adventure Towns in the SMALL town category!
We are excited to announce that Marion, N.C. was picked as one of Blue Ridge Outdoors 2025 Top 100 Adventure Towns in the SMALL town category! Out of countless destinations across our region, our community stood out for its outdoor offerings and exceptional sense of adventure.