Congressman Edwards requests nearly $10 million in federal funds for Haywood

Jun. 8—U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards has requested nearly $40 million in funding for community projects within the 11th Congressional District for the 2024 fiscal year, including $1 million in funding for broadband across Haywood, a $4 million upgrade at Haywood Community College and $4.8 million for a wastewater treatment plant in Canton.

Project requests were spread out across the district, including for $10 million for a water treatment expansion in Weaverville; $4.5 million for a hospital upgrade in Columbus and $3 million for an EMS facility in Clay County, to name a few.

The $4.8 million Canton project request would cover the first phase of construction of a new regional wastewater treatment facility for the Town of Canton and its neighbor the Town of Clyde, specifically the necessary land acquisition, permitting, technical design and services, and project costs.

At Haywood Community College, the $4 million would be used to make several critical upgrades to the Workforce & Industry Center at Haywood Community College, including HVAC replacement, remodeling of the Small Business Center, roof replacement and plumbing repairs.

The broadband funding for Haywood would expand high-speed broadband service to 121 addresses in rural Haywood County, including five businesses and one farm. The unserved locations covered by the request are last mile projects for which no funding has previously been available.

In an email interview, Edwards discussed community projects and the federal funds available to help accomplish them.

The Mountaineer: Were the projects ranked in any particular order, whether if was a funding priority or was simply listed in order it was received? Has the Congressman ranked which projects he sees as most pressing?

Congressman Edwards: Our last congressman brought only $875,000 in federal funding back to the district, and I'm using my experience and background to advocate for $37.8 million. All of these projects are important to get funded. I've traveled the district extensively, and listened intently about what our constituents need. While there are needs far beyond this list, I selected to tackle projects in areas where I've been able to build relationships with other Members of Congress that will be weighing into the decision process. Then I prioritized areas that would make the greater differences for communities that need our help the most and where I believe I have a higher probability of getting them over the finish line.

The Mountaineer: Who is responsible for looking into project applications to deem whether they justify being funded? Would lobbying from affected constituents make a difference?

Congressman Edwards: It is my privilege to serve as the congressman of NC-11 and the buck stops with me. Of course I enlist the assistance of the experienced and well-trained staff I've hired for advice that will help me represent the interests of the district. Constituents are always encouraged to let me know what's on their mind.

The Mountaineer: Are the funding requests submitted to the specific agency or pool of available funding that's available?

Congressman Edwards: I make funding requests to members of the Appropriations Committee and sub-committees. It then becomes my job to sell them on the needs of our district, get each project included in the various subcommittee spending bills, and work with my colleagues to make sure the bills are passed and signed into law by the president. Each approved request will be overseen by an agency of jurisdiction.

The Mountaineer: We spoke earlier about a dislocated worker grant application. Is there any update on the status of that?

Congressman Edwards: Senators Budd, Tillis and I are actively working with the Department of Labor in support of a National Dislocated Worker Grant for $7,700,000. They are showing signs of optimism and are cooperating fully. We'll be excited when we get to the point where we can make a positive announcement.