The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $281 million in funding will be used to modernize wastewater infrastructure in Johnson County, Kan.
The funds will be given as a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan, according to a May 3 EPA news release.
“In Johnson County and across the country, communities are relying on water infrastructure that is outdated and outmatched. It puts health and environmental protections that people rely on at risk,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in the release. “I want to congratulate Johnson County for securing this low interest WIFIA loan and investing in a future that improves water quality and climate resilience. Through WIFIA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is working hand in hand with local communities to address some of their most pressing problems — protecting community health and creating jobs in the process.”
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will soon be delivering billions of dollars for water infrastructure to more communities, including overburdened communities that have traditionally found it difficult to compete for federal funding,” Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister said in the release.
The EPA release notes the agency hopes the general health and safety of residents in the county will be improved due to these updates.
“Community benefits of this important project include replacing aging infrastructure, supporting community growth and redevelopment, improving wet weather management and improving water quality,” Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, said in the release.
