U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded New Jersey nearly $169 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for water infrastructure improvements.
The water infrastructure upgrades will help communities access reliable, clean drinking water, build resilience, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, reduce pollution and protect important waterways, according to a Dec. 1 news release.
“This is just the beginning, and we look forward to providing additional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for this critical work to New Jersey in the years ahead," EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia said in the release. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents a unique opportunity to provide historical amounts of funding over five years for critical water infrastructure projects, especially in underserved communities."
State officials from New Jersey also commented on the importance of clean drinking water in relation to this project, according to the release.
“Now more than ever, we recognize the crucial importance of high-quality drinking water and wastewater systems, especially in our environmental justice communities," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in the release. "This funding will help us deliver on the promise of securing safe, reliable drinking water and resilient wastewater and stormwater management systems for every New Jerseyan.”