The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new allocation of $3.6 billion for water infrastructure improvements under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This recent funding, combined with $2.6 billion previously announced, brings the total investment to $6.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2025. These funds aim to enhance wastewater management, protect freshwater resources, and ensure safe drinking water access across the United States.
Funds will be distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), which are federal-state partnerships offering low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects. The announcement includes specific allocations for Maryland: $60.1 million from Clean Water General Supplemental funds, over $5.1 million from Emerging Contaminant funds, and more than $15.8 million from the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
The initiative 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 will target disadvantaged communities via grants or non-repayable loans.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the critical role of water in maintaining public health and supporting economic opportunities: "Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity." He highlighted how this investment addresses local challenges such as lead contamination in drinking water, PFAS chemicals, water main breaks, sewer overflows, and climate resilience.
Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, noted the significance of these investments for regions with aging infrastructure: "The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the country."
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland expressed support for these developments: "Clean water is essential to the well-being of our families and the strength of our economy – our communities depend on it."
The EPA's Water Technical Assistance program is set to aid disadvantaged communities by helping them identify challenges and develop plans to secure federal funding for necessary upgrades.
For more detailed information on state-specific allocations and additional projects funded by these initiatives, interested parties can visit related EPA websites or explore interactive reports available through the SRF Public Portal.
