ATLANTA (July 11, 2024) – As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing over $20 million to 13 workforce development organizations across the nation under its Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program. This initiative 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 traveling to Philadelphia today to host the inaugural convening of the city’s Investing in America Workforce Hub. The Philadelphia Workforce Hub will support the workforce needed for the city’s 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.”
EPA’s Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to create good-paying jobs in local communities. The grant program also develops apprenticeship programs, labor standards, and other tools necessary for a strong pipeline of workers and high-quality jobs.
The EPA has selected 13 recipients at regional and national organizations to implement various programs under this grant:
- Multiplier/WaterNow Alliance (CA): $760,463.31
- American Water Works Association (CO): $852,000
- Rural Community Assistance Partnership (DC): $1,000,000
- 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 increase public awareness about job opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector while addressing workforce needs. Funded activities include 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.
EPA plans to award grants once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Funding this program aligns with EPA's goals for a cleaner environment for future generations.
