Duke Energy is helping to fund new educational and environmental projects as part of its hydropower relicensing agreement in the Nantahala region.

Projects include a new high school agri-science program, a youth environmental summer camp, and other educational programs and equipment that enhance soil and water conservation. Duke awarded more than $93,600 in conservation grants to local soil and water conservation districts. 

Funded projects include:

• Jackson and Swain counties Soil and Water Conservation Districts: $34,000 to fund a natural resources youth summer camp (partnering with Swain County).

• Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District: $10,950 to purchase equipment that reduces invasive plant species, promote awareness of invasive plant species along the Little Tennessee River Greenway, and host a landowner workshop for road construction.