Water quality projects in western North Carolina get funding

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - More than $180,000 has been awarded to environmental groups hoping to improve water quality in western North Carolina.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports of the Pigeon River Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded the money to improve surface water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, expand public use and access to waterways and increase water quality awareness in Buncombe, Haywood and Madison counties.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation received $16,000 to start the planning process for the new Waterrock Knob property on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County. The French Broad River Academy, a private boy’s school, received $14,960 to develop wetland areas on the school’s campus adjacent to the French Broad River.

Since 1996, the Pigeon River Fund has distributed $6,371,037 in grants.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, https://www.citizen-times.com