Today, at an event in Kissimmee, Florida, with U.S. Representative Darren Soto, the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mae Wu, announced a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan of $188.3 million to Toho Water Authority (Toho). With this WIFIA loan, Toho will modernize the water infrastructure in Polk and Osceola counties to help ensure a resilient water supply for more than 450,000 residents.
“Investing in our water infrastructure is one of the best ways to support healthy and prosperous communities. I commend Toho for securing this $188.3 million low-interest federal loan that will support public health, environmental protection, population growth, and economic opportunities here in Central Florida,” said Mae Wu. “Through this loan program and unprecedented funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in America to strengthen drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating good jobs.”
The WIFIA program will support Toho's One Water Program, which aims to ensure clean and safe drinking water for Central Florida. The program reduces dependence on groundwater supplies by increasing the use of potable and non-potable water. With this WIFIA loan, Toho plans to expand multiple facilities and install pump stations and pipelines. It will also protect the environment by reducing discharges and help meet state requirements.
“This loan will fund several key improvements, including the necessary expansion and installation,” said César Zapata, Acting Deputy Administrator for Region 4. “These improvements are not only about replacement but also about advanced technologies that will improve water quality and increase the system’s resilience.”
“As Toho nears the completion of our Gravity Accelerated Program, thanks to our first WIFIA loan,” said Todd Swingle. “With the support of WIFIA funding, we will deliver responsible projects for our rapidly growing community.”
“We are pleased to announce that Toho has received a significant loan,” said Darren Soto. “This federal funding will protect clean water and ensure a sufficient supply for our growing community.”
This loan is part of the agreement between the EPA and Toho that will allocate $292 million in WIFIA assistance to the One Water Program. The loan will save Toho $47 million. The construction will create approximately 1,750 jobs.
Since its inception, the WIFIA program has announced over $20 billion in financing to support water projects that are strengthening vital infrastructure while creating approximately 150,000 jobs.
Established by the WIFIA Act of 2014, it is a federal program managed by the EPA aimed at accelerating investments by providing supplementary credit assistance for significant regional and national projects.
The EPA is currently in its seventh round, offering $6.5 billion through the WIFIA program and $1 billion through SWIFIA exclusively for state borrowers.
Additionally, there are many federal resources available under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at improving vital water resources.
