The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it is allocating over $20 million to 13 workforce development organizations nationwide under its Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program. This initiative, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to expand career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector.
White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su are scheduled to visit Philadelphia to host the inaugural convening of the city’s Investing in America Workforce Hub. The Philadelphia Workforce Hub will support workforce needs for water and transportation projects driven by the President’s agenda.
“In every community in America, water and wastewater utility workers are unsung heroes ensuring that families and businesses have access to reliable, clean, and safe water services,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Bruno Pigott. “As the water sector faces a wave of retirements, EPA is prioritizing the sustainability of the water workforce and the resilience of our water systems and communities with this $20 million program.”
Water infrastructure workers play a crucial role in delivering clean, safe water services to millions of Americans. The grant program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to create well-paying jobs that support families within their communities. It also focuses on developing apprenticeship programs, labor standards, and other tools essential for maintaining a robust workforce pipeline.
The EPA has selected 13 recipients from regional and national organizations to implement various programs under this grant:
- Multiplier/WaterNow Alliance (CA): $760,463.31
- American Water Works Association (CO): $1,000,000
- Rural Community Assistance Partnership (DC): $852,500
- The Water Tower Institute, Inc (GA): $1,942,378
- Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (HI): $1,000,000
- Wichita State University (KS): $414,250
- Baltimore City Department of Public Works (MD): $914,500
- Center for Watershed Protection, Inc. (MD): $999,520
- Grand Rapids Community College (MI): $1,000,000
- Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education (NV): $999,153
- University of New Mexico (NM): $600,000
- National Rural Water Association (OK): $5,594,000
- Energy Innovation Center Institute Inc. (PA): $4,900
The grants aim to raise public awareness about job opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector while addressing workforce needs through targeted internship programs; education initiatives for elementary through higher education students; regional industry collaborations; integrated learning laboratories; leadership development; occupational training; mentoring; and cross-training programs.
The EPA plans to award these grants once all legal and administrative requirements are met. This funding supports the agency's goal of ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.
