The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant funding initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocating $3.6 billion to upgrade water infrastructure nationwide. This announcement follows an earlier release of $2.6 billion, bringing the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.
The funds will be distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), supporting state-run, low-interest loan programs aimed at addressing key challenges in financing water infrastructure projects. The latest allocation includes specific funds for Ohio: $140,084,000 from the Clean Water General Supplemental fund, $12,092,000 for Emerging Contaminant initiatives, and $17,253,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
This funding is part of a broader five-year plan involving a historic $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A significant portion of this funding is earmarked for disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or non-repayable loans.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of these investments: “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity... With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges.”
Representative Marcy Kaptur highlighted how this nearly $170 million investment will benefit Ohioans: “This new investment... will help ensure citizens across Northwest Ohio and our Buckeye State have access to clean, safe drinking water.” She noted that such investments are crucial for protecting Lake Erie and other Great Lakes resources.
Rep. Joyce Beatty also praised the initiative: “I’m proud to announce this $169 million investment in Ohio’s water infrastructure... This funding not only improves quality but also promotes justice and equity.”
Rep. Emilia Sykes added her support by stating: “Every American deserves to know that when they turn on the tap, clean water will come out.” As Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, she affirmed her commitment to advocating for federal resources necessary for modernizing national water infrastructure.
To assist communities facing barriers in accessing federal funding or planning upgrades, EPA offers support through its Water Technical Assistance program. This effort aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative which aims to direct 40% of certain federal investments' benefits towards disadvantaged communities.
For more details on state allocations or additional projects funded by these initiatives, stakeholders can visit various online resources provided by EPA including their Storymap on Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure.
