The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.6 billion in new funding as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water infrastructure and ensure community safety. This recent funding, combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, totals $6.2 billion for fiscal year 2025 aimed at improving essential water infrastructure across the nation.
The funds will be distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a federal-state partnership that provides low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Nebraska is set to receive allocations from these funds, including $12,728,000 in Clean Water General Supplemental funds, $1,099,000 in Emerging Contaminant funds, and $7,640,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
This initiative is part of a larger five-year plan involving a $50 billion investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—hailed as the largest investment in American water infrastructure history. The law mandates that most of today's announced funding should benefit disadvantaged communities through grants or non-repayable loans.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "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.”
EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister added that communities facing aging infrastructure and contamination issues would gain from this funding: “We look forward to working with our state partners as they distribute these funds to make critical water infrastructure upgrades attainable and affordable.”
To aid communities facing difficulties accessing federal funding for planning purposes, EPA offers support through its Water Technical Assistance program which helps identify challenges and develop plans for upgrades.
Further information about state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding can be found on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund page and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund page. These programs have been fundamental in providing financing for local projects over three decades.
