City expands utility assistance to help more homeowners

Published on July 27, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The City of Fayetteville has updated its Utility Connection Assistance Program – Water & Sewer (UCAP-WS) to make financial assistance available to more homeowners and encourage eligible residents to apply.

Through the updated program, the City will pay the full $5,000 utility assessment and provide up to $1,000 toward eligible private connection expenses completed by a licensed plumber.

UCAP-WS supports owner-occupied residential properties in annexation areas and City Council-approved utility extension project areas. To expand eligibility, the program is now available to households earning up to 120% of the area median income.

The program supports the City’s ongoing work to extend sanitary sewer service throughout the Phase V Annexation Area. When the City and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission entered into an agreement in 2008, approximately 8,000 parcels in the area did not have access to sanitary sewer service.

On behalf of the City, PWC manages the design and construction process, provides property-owner notifications and collects assessments associated with sewer installation.

Construction began in 2010 and is scheduled to continue through 2037. Project areas are prioritized based on factors such as septic system failures, infrastructure age, sewer availability and development density.

Property owners receive notices at key points in the project, including a preliminary assessment letter and a connection notification letter.

To qualify for UCAP-WS assistance, applicants must:

• Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
• Be located within an approved utility extension area
• Be current on property taxes
• Have a household income at or below 120% of the area median income
• Have no more than $50,000 in liquid assets
• Not have previously received assistance through the program

Heirs’ property and estate-related situations may be considered with approval from the City’s Economic and Community Development director or designee.

The current PWC assessment is $5,000, which the program will cover in full for approved applicants. For questions about PWC fees, please contact Fayetteville PWC at 910-483-1382 or visit FayPWC.com.

Applicants should contact the City to confirm which costs are eligible for assistance and what expenses may remain their responsibility. Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For program details, eligibility requirements and application assistance, visit FayettevilleNC.gov/ECD or contact the City's Economic and Community Development Department at 910-433-1590.

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