The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $40,349,000 to Washington from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Washington 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. 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in solutions that benefit families and the environment,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “The funding will help rebuild aging water and wastewater infrastructure across Washington, and will expand access to clean, safe water to communities that have too long been underserved.  I encourage Washington communities to apply for these grants and seize this unique opportunity.” 

“These funds allow Washington communities to invest in their infrastructure in a way never before possible,” said Vince McGowan, Water Quality program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology. “With the initial funding phase, we were able to support underserved communities from College Place to Fisherman Bay in meeting their needs and protecting rivers, streams and Puget Sound, without adding to the financial burdens of rate payers. This second wave of funding means more underserved communities across the state will benefit from this historic investment.” 

“All families and communities across the United States should have access to clean and safe drinking water. The funds announced today will invest in crucial water quality infrastructure projects that will safeguard our water and strengthen our environment and economy here in Washington State,” said Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver on its commitment to rebuild our country’s infrastructure and invest in communities that have historically been left behind.” 

“These investments in our water infrastructure are a big deal,” said Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “Not only will they ensure that families have access to clean water, basic infrastructure is critical to addressing some of the housing shortages that have created real affordability challenges for folks in our region.” 

“Between costly natural disasters, the needs of our growing population, and decades of underinvestment, our water infrastructure is in desperate need of repair,” said Congresswoman DelBene (WA-01). “This $2.4 billion federal investment will help transform our communities by improving the quality of life and addressing inequities in our region.”    

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides federal funding for projects that will improve communities across Washington state and the country,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “Access to clean water is a public health and equity issue. This massive federal investment will help communities across our state and nation that need it most.” 

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.  

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf . 

Original source can be found here.