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The N.C. Department of Transportation is distributing more than $154.9 million in state street aid, or Powell Bill funds, to help 508 municipalities resurface streets and make other transportation improvements.

The Powell Bill funds, which the NCDOT distributes twice each fiscal year, are also used to maintain, repair, build or widen streets, bridges and drainage areas, as well as plan, build and maintain bicycle paths, greenways or sidewalks.

The first half of the funds will be distributed this week. The other half will be paid by Jan. 1.

• Bermuda Run will receive $80,692 based on a population of 3,277 and town-maintained street miles of 6.54.

• Cooleemee will receive $29,170 based on a population of 941 and 5.49 in street miles.

• Mocksville will receive $189,504 based on a 6,356 population and 32.55 street miles.

“The Powell Bill provides communities with funding vital to much-needed transportation improvements,” said Joey Hopkins, NCDOT’s chief operating officer. “Cities and towns will be able to use these funds on many transportation projects that drive North Carolina’s economy and improve its quality of life.”          

State law requires that the N.C. General Assembly appropriate these funds to NCDOT from the State Highway Fund. Each year, municipalities interested in receiving funding must submit a report to NCDOT. Towns and cities certify that they meet certain requirements outlined in the law, including that they levied property taxes and adopted a budget.

The amount each municipality receives is based on a formula set by state law, with 75 percent of the funds based on population and 25 percent based on the number of municipality-maintained street miles.