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Biden-Harris Administration Allocates Over $28 Million for New Hampshire Lead Pipe Replacement

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Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a significant allocation of $28,650,000 from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to aid New Hampshire in identifying and replacing lead service lines, thus preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This funding is part of the Administration's commitment to replacing every lead pipe in the country, a measure aimed at protecting public health and ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the urgency of addressing lead pipes, stating, "The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes." He commended President Biden for securing resources to expedite the removal of lead pipes across the nation.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, expressed pride in securing funding to ensure the safety of water in New Hampshire, stating, "No Granite Stater should worry about the safety of their water." Senator Maggie Hassan also welcomed the federal funding, highlighting the importance of removing lead water pipes to strengthen communities and the economy.

Congresswoman Annie Kuster emphasized the significance of resources to replace lead pipes, stating, "Everyone deserves access to safe, clean drinking water." Congressman Chris Pappas echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to update water infrastructure to safeguard public health and ensure communities have clean water.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, spearheaded by President Biden, allocates a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines, with a focus on providing grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities. This investment aims to address the estimated 9 million lead service lines across the country, enhancing public health protection on a national scale.

The funding announced for New Hampshire will specifically target lead service line identification and replacement, providing crucial support for states and territories to fund projects that reduce lead exposure from drinking water. The EPA's Lead Service Line-specific formula ensures that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more funding, furthering the goal of public health protection nationwide.

In addition to the financial support, EPA is releasing guidance on how states can effectively use funding to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. The agency is also providing resources to help water systems educate customers on lead exposure, service line ownership, and how individuals can assist in identifying potential lead service lines in their homes.

The Biden-Harris Administration's initiative to remove lead pipes has already yielded positive outcomes for families across the nation, with the latest funding set to expand the impact of these efforts. Projects like those in Rollinsford, Plymouth, and Claremont, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, demonstrate the tangible improvements being made to water systems to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all.

As the administration continues to prioritize infrastructure investments, communities nationwide can expect to see further progress in enhancing water quality and protecting public health.

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