The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced Boise, Idaho, will receive a $263 million loan for its water system.
EPA announced the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan will help the city improve wastewater treatment processes and protect the Boise River's water quality. The loan also is aimed at ultimate "recharge" of the drought-stricken "with high quality effluent," a Dec. 19 news release said.
"Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is essential for the health of a community like Boise, which is a fast-growing city struggling with drought," EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in the news release. "Thanks to this WIFIA loan, the city of Boise can upgrade wastewater treatment technology to better safeguard the Boise River and even help recharge its water supply while providing good-paying jobs."
The loan to Boise is the second of two WIFIA loans, totally almost $400 million in credit assistance and is aimed at "funding certainty for the largest capital investment in the city of Boise’s history," the news release said. Funding through WIFIA is expected to save Boise about $80 million, while construction and operation through the first WIFIA loan is estimated to create 1,700 jobs.
The capital improvements are needed in Boise because frequent drought and increased water irrigation demand have caused poorer water quality and lower water levels in the Boise River. Boise will use the WIFIA loan money for its Water Renewal Services Capital Investments Project to modernize its wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities, according to the release.
"It's an incredible opportunity and honor to have been invited to participate in the WIFIA program," Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said in the release. "Partnering with the EPA on this low-cost loan will help keep our water renewal rates affordable for Boiseans, protect our clean water and help ensure we have the water we need as our community grows."
