Preparing for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects Workshop
This comprehensive workshop is designed for local government officials and staff involved in the planning, funding, and management of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Over two days, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to effectively navigate the complex requirements inherent to these projects. The first day focuses on planning efforts, including creating capital plans, assessing debt capacity, understanding funding tools and revenue generation strategies, and engaging with engineers/consultants, state agencies, and supportive partners. The second day will focus on effectively managing infrastructure projects once local governments reasonably anticipates receiving the funds. Topics will include policies needed for bidding and contracting, compliance requirements by funding type, budget mechanisms, interlocal considerations, and project management strategies. Participants will receive checklists and guidance on assembling a well-rounded project team and implementing practices that position the project for success.
Preparing for Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Projects Workshop, Agenda
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
9:00-9:30 am: Workshop Overview + Framework Introduction
Hope Thomson, Senior Project Director, UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center
9:30-10:00 am: Funding Tools & Options
Kara Millonzi, Professor, UNC School of Government
10:00-11:00 am: Capital Planning, Debt Capacity & Budgeting
Bill Rivenbark, Professor, UNC School of Government
Kara Millonzi, Professor, UNC School of Government
11:00-11:15am Break
11:15-12:15 pm: Rate setting for Capital Projects
Hope Thomson, Senior Project Director, UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center
12:15-1:15 pm: Lunch
1:15-1:45 pm: Engage, Expect: Engineers & Contractors
Tom Roberts, Jumping Mullet LLC
1:45-2:15 pm: Engage, Expect: NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure
Kavitha Ambikadevi, Water Infrastructure Fund Section Chief, NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure
2:15-2:30pm Break
2:30-3:00 pm: Engage, Expect: Local Government Commission
Kara Millonzi, Professor, UNC School of Government
3:00-3:30 pm: Engage, Expect: School of Government and Environmental Finance Center
Hope Thomson, Senior Project Director, UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
9:00-10:30 am: Compliance Overview
Kara Millonzi, Professor, UNC School of Government
Crista Cuccaro, Assistant Professor, UNC School of Government
Rebecca Badgett, Teaching Assistant Professor, UNC School of Government
10:30-10:45am Break
10:45-12:15 pm: Selecting Contracting Parties
Crista Cuccaro, Assistant Professor, UNC School of Government
12:15 pm -1:15 pm: Lunch
1:15 pm-2:30 pm: Contracting Mechanics
Crista Cuccaro, Assistant Professor, UNC School of Government
2:30-3:30 pm: Project Management Panel
Hope Thomson (facilitator), Senior Project Director, UNC School of Government Environmental Finance Center Panelists:
Daniel Manring, Executive Director, Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority
Gigi Baggarley, GIS Administrator, Town of Carolina Beach
Jesse Day, Planning Director, Piedmont Triad Regional Council
Christa Stansbury
