The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced more than $105 million in funding for improvements to Oklahoma water infrastructure.
According to a Nov. 29 news release, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Water Resources Board will receive the funds under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. The funding will be used to upgrade Oklahoma's water infrastructure.
“Maintaining water quality infrastructure must continue to remain a high priority among states,” Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance said in the release. “We are pleased to see Oklahoma ensure public health by using these funds to improve upon water quality standards. EPA remains committed to working with state partners to safeguard public health and the environment.”
Secretary of Energy and Environment Ken McQueen collected a ceremonial check from Nance at an event at the state capitol in Oklahoma City on behalf of all grantees, the release reported.
“These grants will provide much needed assistance in reducing nitrates and manganese from drinking water supplies, as well as providing targeted loan forgiveness in communities needing additional funding assistance,” McQueen said, according to the release.
President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates more than $50 billion for repairing and improving the nation’s essential water infrastructure, which ensures that communities have access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water while also preventing flooding, protecting the public health and safeguarding vital waterways, the release reported.
