Community Infrastructure Program

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Program Overview

The Renew NC Community Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding for infrastructure projects, linked to Hurricane Helene’s impacts or mitigation set-asides, that will help impacted communities in western North Carolina become more resilient to current and future natural hazards. Tie-backs connect activities to disaster impacts, such as damage or vulnerability. Mitigation improves resilience and reduces long-term risks to life, property, and hardship.

Please note: This program has not yet begun accepting applications. Potential applicants may complete a prescreen at this time.

Prescreening Now Available

Starting February 9, Renew NC is offering a prescreening opportunity to help potential applicants, such as local governments, prepare for the upcoming launch of the Community Infrastructure (CI) Program. While not required for program application submission, prescreening is strongly encouraged. The process provides an opportunity for interested local governments and nonprofit organizations to identify and develop a CDBG-DR project in a technical assistance environment.

Start a Prescreen

Access the prescreen through the Renew NC Grant Portal. New users are required to register for an account.

How to Access the Renew NC Grant Portal

A step-by-step guide for accessing the Renew NC Grant Portal, registering an account, and signing in.

Prescreen Guide

A how-to guide for accessing and completing a prescreen for the Renew NC Community Infrastructure Program.

Program Information

Funding and Allocation

  • Total Funding: Approximately $193.5 million in CDBG-DR funding is allocated for the Community Infrastructure Program.  
  • Award Size: Grants generally range from $500,000 up to $15 million per project, depending on scope and need.  
  • Competitive Process: Awards will be made through a competitive application process administered by the Division of Community Revitalization. 

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Local governments located in the HUD- or State-identified MID Areas. 

Do you qualify?

All projects must be tied to Helene recovery and meet HUD and federal program requirements. CI funds may be used for a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:  

  • Restoration of critical services and infrastructure,  
  • Demolition or construction of public facilities, flood control and drainage repairs, acquisition;
  • Rehabilitation of schools and healthcare centers, site preparation;
  • Soft costs like architectural fees; and
  • Compliance with HUD environmental and accessibility requirements.

Projects must align with HUD regulations and meet a national objective. 

Eligible Areas

There are 28 counties and one zip code that are eligible for this program. Projects located within HUD- and State-identified Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas are eligible for the program. Priority is initially given to projects located within HUD-identified MID areas.

HUD-Identified MID Counties

Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (ZIP code 28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey

State-Identified MID Counties

Alexander, Alleghany, Catawba, Clay, Gaston, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Surry, Swain, Wilkes, and Yadkin

Prescreening, Application, and Program Process

Tab/Accordion Items

DCR offers an optional but highly recommended project prescreening.

DCR will issue NOFOs with application materials and deadlines.

Applicants complete and submit required documentation demonstrating eligibility, need, and project feasibility.  

DCR evaluates applications against criteria.

Selected applicants must comply with federal environmental review processes, reporting, construction standards, and grant compliance procedures.  

Additional Information