The Town of Leland is continuing to invest in local street maintenance with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Powell Bill program, which provides state funding to municipalities to help with the maintenance, repair, and construction of municipal streets.
During the 2024–2025 Roadway Resurfacing Project, the Town used approximately $980,000 in Powell Bill funding to support the resurfacing of about five miles of Town-maintained roads. Planning is already underway for the 2025–2026 Roadway Resurfacing Project, which is expected to include about $1 million in Powell Bill revenue and interest.
“Maintaining our infrastructure requires thoughtful planning and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Brenda Bozeman. “The Town of Leland is committed to practicing fiscal responsibility by actively researching and securing grant opportunities and state funding, like the Powell Bill, to maintain and improve our roadways while minimizing the financial burden on our residents.”
Powell Bill funding is designated specifically for municipal streets and does not include state-maintained highways. Funds are distributed to municipalities across North Carolina twice each year, in October and January.
According to NCDOT, Powell Bill revenue is generated through the state’s motor fuels tax and other highway user fees. Funding is allocated using a formula established by the North Carolina General Assembly, with 75% based on municipal population and 25% based on the number of certified, municipally maintained street miles.
The Town’s roadway resurfacing work is part of a long-term initiative that resurfaces approximately 5% of Town-maintained roads each year to help maintain safe, smooth, and structurally sound streets for residents and visitors.
Residents can learn more about the funding the Town has received and how it will be applied in the Revenue Manual.