Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $42,646,000 to Minnesota from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Minnesota 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.”
“This second investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to accelerate upgrades of critical infrastructure, especially in communities that are overburdened by water challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. "Everyone should have access to clean water. EPA is proud to partner with Minnesota to maximize the benefits of these resources -- including modernized infrastructure and increased resiliency to climate impacts.”
“Investments in water infrastructure are essential to the health and safety of families across our state,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “These resources will help us update water, storm water, and wastewater systems, protecting the health of our communities and creating good paying jobs.”
“Keeping our water clean and safe is essential for public health and helps ensure our lakes and rivers stay beautiful and vibrant,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “This investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help improve water infrastructure in communities across Minnesota while creating good-paying jobs. I’ll continue to look for ways to protect our precious natural resources and ensure every Minnesotan has access to safe drinking water no matter where they live.”
“Ensuring Minnesota families have clean and safe water to drink has been a priority of mine in Congress, both in my work on the Appropriations Committee and through voting to pass landmark legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Rep. Betty McCollum. “I’m proud to help deliver more than $42 million in funding for critical water infrastructure improvements within our communities. These investments are essential to protecting public health!”
“Every Minnesotan deserves access to safe, clean water and this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help make that a reality for more of our communities in the Second Congressional District,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’ll continue working with the Administration to distribute these funds where they’re needed most and with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to deliver more clean water resources.”
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.
