Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $99,766,000 to Michigan from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Michigan 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 Michigan to maximize the benefits of these resources -- including modernized infrastructure and increased resiliency to climate impacts.”
“This $99 million investment in Michigan from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help communities across our state upgrade critical wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, protect public health, and help safeguard our lakes, both Great and small,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have worked across the aisle to replace tens of thousands of lead service lines and upgrade storm and wastewater facilities across the state, supporting nearly 60,000 good-paying jobs. Today’s investment will build on those efforts, helping underserved communities upgrade their water infrastructure, boosting local economies, and protecting our Michigan lakes and streams.”
“We know our state’s outdated water infrastructure threatens the safety of our homes, communities, and public health. It’s long overdue that we make these critical upgrades. This investment will improve our water quality, protect the Great Lakes for future generations, and create good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
“This funding will not only enable communities across Michigan to strengthen their critical water infrastructure like storm drains and treatment facilities, but it will support more good-paying jobs for Michiganders while protecting our environment and Great Lakes for future generations,” said Sen. Gary Peters. “I was proud to help enact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is delivering these federal resources for our state and will keep fighting for every Michigander to have access to safe and clean drinking water.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to create good-paying Michigan jobs improving our state’s water infrastructure and protecting the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Dan Kildee. “With this new funding, mid-Michigan communities will be able to update their aging water infrastructure to protect our waterways from harmful PFAS chemicals and untreated wastewater.”
“Every single day, I hear concerns from residents about clean water. Here in Michigan, we know far too well the importance of access to clean water – how many don’t have it, and how fiercely we must protect it,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “Clean water is a basic human right, and it takes cooperation at all levels of government to protect it. I’m proud to have helped lead efforts in Congress to bring this funding to communities who have been underserved in Michigan and across the country to make much-needed upgrades to ensure families have clean and safe water.”
“Every Michigander deserves to have access to clean drinking water, and this funding will help protect and restore the Great Lakes and clean up the Grand River watershed,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “Water is a way of life in West Michigan. I’m pleased to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work, serving underprivileged communities across the state. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I’m committed to assisting in implementation efforts and delivering more resources to protect our drinking water and restore our ecosystems.”
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
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