The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a memo outlining how to equitably distribute $43 billion in water infrastructure funding.
According to a press release, the memo sent by EPA will be used to guide how drinking water and clean water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) will be used to provide clean and safe water for all Americans, especially those in disadvantaged communities.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment in clean water is nothing short of transformational,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said, according to the press release. “EPA and its state, local and Tribal partners have an obligation to work together and maximize the impact of these funds in communities, especially disadvantaged communities. Water is essential, and this action will help ensure that every American can rely on safe drinking water and have access to wastewater management that protects health and the environment.”
“The Rural Community Assistance Partnership commends the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for taking an important first step of releasing timely guidance to state and local partners on how over $55 billion in water investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be implemented,” Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Interim CEO Keith Ashby said, according to the press release. “RCAP stands ready to work with EPA, states, and non-governmental partners to ensure that small and rural disadvantaged communities have equitable access to these historic investments in our nation’s water infrastructure.”
The memo emphasizes how states and borrowers have been provided flexibility on how they can address local water quality issues.
The next steps of the project will be worked on by EPA in collaboration with state co-regulators, tribal partners and stakeholders.
