Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, July 9, the allocation of $5 million in grants to establish four new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technologies and a national clearinghouse for emerging stormwater control technologies. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
"Our waterways are treasured resources and economic engines for communities, and at EPA we strive to make sure waterways are both fishable and swimmable," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. "Stormwater runoff carries pollution from streets and land into our waterways and poses a significant challenge for water quality. Thanks to this investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are working with our partners to advance critical stormwater technology and solutions that will protect communities across the country."
Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants aim to enhance the nation's water infrastructure and safeguard water quality. The EPA plans to award funding to the following institutions once all legal and administrative requirements are met:
- The University of New Hampshire
- The University of Oklahoma
- The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education
- The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
Additionally, the Center for Watershed Protection, Inc., has been selected to establish a national electronic clearinghouse containing information about new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and funding approaches. This clearinghouse will include research, best practices, and outreach from each Center of Excellence, promoting expanded availability of technical assistance to states, tribes, local governments, and disadvantaged communities.
Stormwater is recognized as a major source of water pollution and poses significant challenges due to its engineering and financial complexities. These grant recipients will conduct research on innovative stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches. As Centers of Excellence, they will also provide technical assistance aimed at improving stormwater management, enhancing climate resilience, safeguarding the environment, and advancing environmental justice.
