The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $221 million in funding to improve New Jersey water Infrastructure.

The loan comes from the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program, which is an NJDEP and I-Bank partnership, and the duo is investing in 28 water infrastructure projects, according to an EPA news release. These projects will bring water systems up to date to protect public health and the environment of New Jersey. 

“EPA is proud to partner with New Jersey to innovatively invest WIFIA funding and benefit many communities by removing dangerous lead service lines, strengthening drinking water systems, safely returning wastewater to the environment, and uplifting low-income communities and communities of color,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said, according to the release. 

The funds from WIFIA and New Jersey SRF monies back $588 million in New Jersey infrastructure, according to the release. This investment will further grow communities of the state to improve public health, create jobs at the local level and save money. 

“Thanks to the EPA’s support, these critical investments will together benefit more than half of the state’s population, including New Jerseyans in communities most at risk of flooding, contaminated drinking water, and inadequate wastewater infrastructure,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said, according to the release.

Murphy also commented that "In New Jersey, we recognize that the state of our economy is inextricably linked to the health of our residents and our environment. By generating jobs and maintaining water affordability, these projects will not only advance public health and sustainability but stimulate economic growth as well,” according to the release.

According to the release, the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank’s SRF 26 drinking water projects will work to combat local issues like contaminant removal, leak prevention, improvement of system resiliency and replacing lead service lines. Wastewater projects will also receive funding. The two projects will work to improve treatment capacity and offer higher treatment at wastewater treatment facilities. 

New Jersey communities receiving the financing serve over 5.8 million people.