The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a substantial investment of $3.6 billion to upgrade water infrastructure across the United States as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding, combined with an earlier allocation of $2.6 billion this month, brings the total investments for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.
These funds are directed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), facilitating low-interest loans managed by states to tackle significant challenges in water infrastructure financing.
Virginia will receive specific allotments including $50.9 million from the Clean Water General Supplemental funds, approximately $4.4 million for Emerging Contaminant funds, and over $10.7 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan committing $50 billion towards enhancing water infrastructure nationwide—the largest such investment in U.S. history. A majority of these resources are earmarked for 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. He emphasized that failing water infrastructure poses risks to health and the environment, while highlighting efforts under this law to address local issues like lead contamination, PFAS pollutants, sewer overflows, and climate resilience.
Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator stated: "The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the country," underscoring the significance of these investments for public health and environmental priorities set by the administration.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner expressed support for Virginia's share: “Every Virginian deserves clean, reliable water...we will continue updating our infrastructure to protect and improve water quality." Similarly, Senator Tim Kaine noted: "I’m glad Virginia is receiving $66 million...this funding will improve water systems across the Commonwealth."
Additionally, EPA offers technical assistance through its Water Technical Assistance program to help disadvantaged communities plan upgrades and secure federal funding—a move aligned with Justice40 Initiative goals aiming at equitable distribution of benefits from federal investments.
For further details on projects funded under this initiative or state-specific allocations for 2025, interested parties can visit relevant EPA websites offering interactive data tools on these investments' impacts nationwide.
