In a recent news release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that six states in Region 8 would receive more than $24 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) to upgrade wastewater and stormwater systems to safeguard public health and key bodies of water.
The funding, part of President Joe Biden’s $775 million Investing in America agenda, includes six states: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
"This major investment translates into replacing or repairing aging wastewater infrastructure, implementing water reuse and recycling, as well as addressing stormwater,” Lisa F. Garcia, EPA regional administrator, said in the release. “EPA is committed to getting these critical water resources to underserved and disadvantaged communities.”
Colorado will receive $6 million in funding; Montana will receive $3,683,000; North Dakota will get $3,683,000; South Dakota will get $3,683,000; Utah will receive $3,952,000 and Wyoming will get $3,683,000; the release said.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the funding as part of the Investing in America tour in North Carolina. The release noted that the investment demonstrates the Biden administration’s plan to boost wastewater and stormwater systems while also providing funds to target pollution and enhance energy and water efficiency.
"Too many communities across the country are facing challenges with water infrastructure – from climate impacts like drought vulnerability, to a lack of basic wastewater services that everyone deserves,” Regan said in the release. “This funding paired with this historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support local economies while advancing projects in communities to help ensure clean, safe water for residents.”
Regan added that the Investing in America plan focuses on driving economic growth from the bottom up and building a stronger infrastructure to fuel growth in manufacturing, boosting good-paying jobs that don’t require college and a green economy to fight climate change.
The release also noted that the CWSRFs have been a key driver for water infrastructure investment for more than three decades by offering low-cost financing options for projects in communities nationwide.
"As the loan principal and interest are repaid over time, it allows the state's CWSRF to be recycled or 'revolve,'" the release said. "As money is returned to the state's revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other eligible recipients. These funds can also be combined with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and EPA's Water Infrastructure and Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans to create a powerful, innovative financing solution for major infrastructure projects."
