Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program (ARPA)

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

NCDHHS - Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU)

For information on asbestos and lead-based paint inspections, as well as lead in water testing and remediation, see the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program page.

Background

NC Governor Roy Cooper and the General Assembly budgeted and approved $150 million of nonrecurring funds to address lead in water, asbestos, and lead-based paint inspections and abatement of hazards in NC public schools and licensed child care facilities in Session Law 2021-180 Senate Bill 105. This page addresses information about the asbestos and lead-based paint activities reimbursement program.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) and RTI International are administering the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program in a joint effort to identify and restrict or mitigate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards across public schools and child care facilities in the state.

Note: Asbestos and lead-based paint inspections, as well as the lead in water testing and remediation, is funded through the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program.

Where Does The Funding Come From?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, is providing one-time federal funding to states and local governments.

Who Qualifies?

NC public schools and charter schools.
All NC licensed child care facilities and family child care homes.
NC public school and licensed child care facilities must meet the requirements of SB-105, Section 9G .8 and 10A NCAC 41C .1101 through .1007 to be eligible for reimbursement.

Are There Requirements For Reimbursements?

NC public schools and licensed childcare facilities must meet the requirements of SB-105, Section 9G .8 and 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 to be eligible for reimbursement.

Are There Conditions To Getting Reimbursed?

Yes, NC public schools and licensed child care facilities must have an inspection for asbestos and lead-based paint. Facilities must partner with the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to fulfill North Carolina requirements (10A NCAC 41C .1000). The program is providing free facility-wide inspections without any out of pocket cost that meets all rule requirements from program launch to November 30, 2026. To enroll, facilities should go to www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina to sign up for a pre-enrollment webinar and participate in the free process.

What Can I Be Reimbursed For?

NC public schools and licensed child care facilities can be reimbursed for asbestos and lead-based paint abatement and remediation activities that meet 10A NCAC 41C .1003 and .1004. NC public schools and licensed child care facilities can also be reimbursed for replacement materials (commonly referred to as “put-back materials”) that meet the requirements in 10A NCAC 41C .1002.

Facilities may request reimbursement from NC DHHS although reimbursements are not guaranteed as it also depends on whether remaining funds are available and that the work is completed between April 29, 2022 and November 30, 2026. In addition, reimbursement only covers up to 2/3 of eligible costs for schools. Even if facilities do not use the free program offered through the NC DHHS vendor (RTI International), the inspection documentation schools have on file must be submitted to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids online portal to meet the rule requirements.

Facilities that meet the prior inspection or building age exemption criteria will also need to submit all documentation through the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program online portal to meet the requirements of 10A NCAC 41C .1003 and .1004 as this is a state-mandated effort to digitize lead and asbestos records for a publicly available document repository.

Note: Lead in water testing and remediation at NC public schools and licensed child care facilities is a different ARPA-funded program.

What Must I Submit To Get Reimbursed?

The following is required when submitting a packet for reimbursement:

Note: Email all reimbursement packets to ARPA-Reimbursement@dhhs.nc.gov

Are There Other Required Forms?

Yes, when performing asbestos or lead-based paint activities, NC public schools and licensed child care facilities must submit the appropriate notification form to the HHCU 10 calendar days before commencing any asbestos or lead-based paint activities as referenced in 10A NCAC 41C .1003 and .1004. Be sure to download, save file, complete, sign and email as an attachment.

The following forms are required when performing asbestos or lead-based paint activities:

Also, within 45 calendar days following the date on which the activity is completed, the responsible individual shall submit a report of the results of the final clearance inspection as referenced in 10A NCAC 41C .1003 and .1004. The information and report should be sent to ARPA-Reimbursement@dhhs.nc.gov and uploaded in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids online portal to meet the rule requirements.

Contact Information

NC Health Hazards Control Unit
5505 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919-707-5950
Email: ARPA-Reimbursement@dhhs.nc.gov