The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed $65 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans to update the water infrastructure in Multnomah County in Oregon.
The drinking water of 130,000 people will be improved through the loans, according to a May 9 EPA news release. The loans will also help these areas water systems become more independent.
“Access to safe and secure drinking water is something all Americans should have, and EPA is proud to support this project to help deliver reliable and resilient groundwater to Oregonians,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in the release. “Through WIFIA and $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping invest in water infrastructure across the country to elevate the benefits of water resources in communities while creating jobs."
Elected officials also talked about the importance of these investments in the release.
“I wrote the WIFIA program so our local leaders can make those kinds of investments without saddling ratepayers with impossible bills," Sen. Jeff Merkley said, according to the release. "I'm glad to see the city of Gresham and the Rockwood community taking advantage of this opportunity and making sure people have clean and safe water before, during and after extreme weather events.”
“The growth of east Multnomah County places a premium on ensuring services keep pace with its increasingly diverse population, and clean drinking water is an essential piece of that infrastructure for Rockwood and Gresham," Sen. Ron Wyden said in the release. "I’m gratified this area has secured these key federal investments for a safe water supply, and will keep battling for Oregonians throughout the state to have similar resources."
