Edwards Votes to Advance the FY26 CJS, Energy and Water, and Interior Funding Packages

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) voted to advance the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding packages, supporting critical investments in public safety, law enforcement, and vital water infrastructure projects.

As the only North Carolina member serving on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Edwardssuccessfully secured funding for five critical projects in NC-11:

• $1 million for the Asheville Police Department to establish a Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC). An RTIC serves as a centralized technology command center that gathers and analyzes intelligence to deploy resources more efficiently and effectively.
• $930,000 for Yancey County Sheriff's Office to acquire necessary communications and security equipment, upgrade law enforcement communications for personnel and patrol cars, and address vulnerabilities at the county detention center.
• $2 million for the Town of Franklin for water infrastructure improvements, including replacing the existing 56,000-gallon clearwell and high-service pumps with infrastructure that expands capacity to 250,000 gallons. These improvements provide sufficient storage and allow for maintenance without water restrictions or extended treatment cycles, ensuring continuous, safe water service for the community.
• $528,000 for the Town of Elk Park to construct a new well and replace a 2,400-foot section of aging water line, addressing ongoing risks to water quality and service reliability. Additional equipment, including a trench box, CCTV sewer inspection tools, sewer jetter, and portable generator, will address worker safety, compliance, and emergency preparedness issues.
• $2 million for the Town of Spruce Pine to acquire a 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tank to ensure safe, reliable, and adequate potable water by maintaining system pressure, protecting against contamination, providing reserves for fire protection, and supporting emergency response needs.

In addition to securing funding for local projects, the package delivers targeted, fiscally responsible investments that directly benefit Western North Carolina. By providing full-year funding for critical priorities while keeping overall spending nearly $2 billion below projected levels, it strengthens public safety, supports responsible energy production, protects access to public lands, and delivers real savings for taxpayers. The funding prioritizes resources to combat fentanyl and opioid trafficking, bolsters wildfire management and land stewardship, and fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program to help rural counties offset the cost of federal land ownership.

The package also strengthens support for Tribal communities through targeted investments in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, reinforcing the federal government's trust and treaty responsibilities while expanding access to essential services, education, and economic opportunity. In addition, funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advances critical water and infrastructure projects that improve flood control, enhance system reliability, and strengthen community resilience - key priorities for Western North Carolina.

Finally, the package advances long-term economic and infrastructure priorities, including investments in domestic energy production, nuclear innovation, and critical minerals, reducing reliance on foreign sources while supporting American jobs while reining in federal overreach by rolling back burdensome regulations on farmers and reducing EPA spending. Together, these bills ensure Western North Carolina's communities, law enforcement officers, farmers, and land managers have the resources they need while keeping federal spending in check.

"As the only North Carolina member of the Appropriations Committee, my focus is ensuring federal dollars are spent responsibly and directed where they make the greatest difference at home," said Congressman Edwards. "This funding package delivers real results for Western North Carolina by strengthening public safety, investing in reliable water infrastructure, supporting Tribal communities and public lands, and advancing energy and economic priorities - all while keeping federal spending in check."

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