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.”