Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $18,560,000 to the state of Colorado from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Colorado 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. Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Colorado communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $14.2M for the CWSRF and $757,000 to address emerging contaminants.
“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Colorado’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”
“Everyone deserves access to clean water, but far too many Coloradans still lack it,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will connect historically underserved rural areas, Tribes, and other communities across Colorado with the resources they need to invest in critical water infrastructure that will serve them well into the future.”
“Water is the lifeblood of the West,” said Senator John Hickenlooper. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help maintain and enhance the clean water sources we all rely on.”
“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in communities across our country, and I am excited to see the many ways in which this law continues to deliver for our state, supporting clean water systems and expanding access to essential water infrastructure in rural Colorado,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.
The $2.4 billion announced today is 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. Visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Original source can be found here.
