Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $15,579,000 to Rhode Island from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Rhode Island 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."
"Clean water is essential for public health and the health of our economy and environment. That is why I championed strong federal funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate water infrastructure improvements, reduce pollution, and protect public health. These federal funds will help Rhode Island ensure healthy, safe water in communities throughout the state," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
"This federal funding will allow Rhode Island to harden water infrastructure in the face of climate change and protect water quality in Narragansett Bay," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "This is another strategic investment in the Ocean State from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."
"For more than three decades, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund has made it possible for Rhode Island to undertake key projects – from wastewater infrastructure to stormwater management to water conservation – all aimed at protecting public health and preserving our waters. Increased investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mean more resources are available to build on our progress and ensure communities across our state are healthy and have quality water," said U.S. Congressman David Cicilline.
"Every Rhode Island family deserves access to clean water," said U.S. Congressman Seth Magaziner. "This life-saving investment will repair damaged water infrastructure, improve public health, and increase climate resilience. Once again, the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for working people in Rhode Island and across the country."
This new influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will increase monies available for communities to undertake wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Rhode Island. Project awards are made by state evaluators to ensure they are targeted to the most needed areas. The first year of BIL funding includes a project in Providence which is 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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