By NICOLE CARTRETTE

Multi-million dollar systems to provide sewers to towns and halt flooding across Whiteville stand a better chance of winning state grants.

New legislation changes the way Clean Water Management Trust Fund Grants are awarded.

Point values are assigned to projects in the decision-making process. The decision to award funds is up to the CWMTF Board but state statutes regulate how the points –used as a guide, are given.

Public necessity, the effect on impaired waters and efficiency are criteria that currently take priority over other factors such as financial need.

The law would give priority to “economically distressed local governments” seeking funding for wastewater treatment or collection.

Members of the CWMTF board met on July 9 and 10 to prioritize eligible projects.

Columbus County’s five projects were given some of the lowest scores.

Whiteville’s request for more than $4.3 million for a stormwater wetland project at Soules Swamp scored 81. Funding eligibility was reduced to $3 million. The estimated cost of the project is more than $4.5 million.

Bolton’s request for nearly $2 million to construct a $5.3 million wastewater treatment plant at scored an 89.

Tabor City’s request for $420,000 to partially fund a $1 million regional sewer initiative at Grissett Swamp had the lowest score at 70.

Under the bill, donation of land to a public or private non-profit conservation organization can satisfy any matches required.

The Nature Conservancy’s largest request for more than $20 million to purchase tracts of land in Columbus and Brunswick scored 83. If awarded, grant money will be used to purchase International Paper land at Juniper Creek.

The Wildlife Resources Commission’s request for $113,115 to purchase land along the Waccamaw River –Register King Tract scored 87. The eligible amount was reduced to $99,000. The anticipated cost of the land acquisition is $310,060.

Close to 100 projects were scored. Scores of 100 or higher went to 19 projects.

Mecklenburg County had the highest score of 124 on one of three projects scored at 98 and higher.

The board meets again on Aug. 13 and 14 in Duplin County to take action on requests for funding for land acquisition, storm water and wastewater projects.

The legislation awaits the governor’s signature.