Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $78,777,000 to Massachusetts from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Massachusetts communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.
"President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them."
"The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding critical water infrastructure projects across New England, especially in places that have been historically underserved," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Every community should know that their wastewater services are keeping the environment healthy and supporting the lives of people living nearby. We are proud to work with states, Tribes, and communities in making these unprecedented investments."
"Thanks to President Biden's leadership on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Massachusetts will receive more than $78.7 million in federal investments for critical water infrastructure projects," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Communities across the Commonwealth will use this historic funding to invest in our water infrastructure, create jobs, and keep families healthy for generations to come – and I will keep fighting to ensure the federal government is a strong partner to our state."
"I applaud the President for securing more than $50 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure the water we drink is clean and safe," said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. "These funds will improve outdated wastewater infrastructure in underserved communities that are hit hardest by our climate crisis. I will continue to fight for big historic investments in reliable, clean, and safe water for communities across the United States and across Massachusetts."
"Everyone deserves reliable access to clean, safe drinking water," said U.S. Congresswoman and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. "From fixing our crumbling water infrastructure to addressing harmful PFAS contamination, I'm proud that Democrats' historic Infrastructure Law is delivering tangible results for families in the Fifth District and across the Bay State. This funding will help create good-paying jobs and improve the quality of life in our communities for generations to come."
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brings us one step closer to making clean drinking water a reality for every community in Massachusetts and across America," U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern said. "These investments will allow cities and towns in the Second District to finally undertake challenging water infrastructure projects—protecting people's health, preserving the environment, and saving taxpayer money. For far too long, underserved communities struggled to repair their aging water infrastructure. This funding sends the message that the Biden-Harris Administration is listening and help is on the way."
"Everyone deserves access to safe, accessible water. As cities and towns across the district upgrade and replace aging pumps, pipes, and treatment centers, these investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will massively help our communities. As we tackle existing water safety and flooding issues, this funding will help us build resilient infrastructure to better withstand the challenges of tomorrow," said U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton.
"Clean water is a vital public service. I've been working with dozens of cities and towns on their water needs; this grant is an important part of the solution," said U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss.
"We are grateful to the Biden Administration for this important investment in clean water for Massachusetts residents," said Commonwealth of Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "With over $208 million coming to the Commonwealth, we will be able to ramp up efforts to ensure clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to all our residents and meet the needs of our cities and towns at an affordable cost."
This new influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will increase monies available for communities to undertake wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Massachusetts. Project awards are made by state evaluators to ensure they are targeted to the most needed areas. The first year of BIL funding includes projects in Fitchburg and Boston which are anticipated for assistance through SRF BIL funding from the state's SRF programs.
Today's announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.
In addition to today's announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.
More information:
The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure law provides EPA with more than $60 billion over five years for a wide range of environmental programs that will bring much-needed funding to America's water infrastructure, environmental cleanups, and clean air protections, while also advancing environmental justice and combatting climate change. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and how EPA is working with communities at https://www.epa.gov/infrastructure.
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