The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant allocation of $3.6 billion under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water infrastructure nationwide. This new funding, combined with an earlier announcement of $2.6 billion, brings the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion. The aim is to upgrade systems essential for managing wastewater, protecting freshwater resources, and ensuring safe drinking water in communities.
These funds will be distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, a collaboration between federal and state governments that provides low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Washington State will receive $43,273,000 from the Clean Water General Supplemental funds, $3,735,000 for Emerging Contaminant initiatives, and $17,495,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
This initiative is part of a larger five-year plan involving a $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A key feature of this law is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities with grants or loans that do not require repayment.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller stated: “Over the last three years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been providing urban and rural areas across Washington state with unprecedented resources to address the most important water and wastewater infrastructure challenges facing their communities.” He added that this new federal funding would help reduce costs for ratepayers.
Governor Jay Inslee expressed appreciation for EPA's efforts: “We appreciate the EPA’s continued investment to improve access to safe drinking water in Washington State,” noting its importance in removing harmful contaminants like PFAS.
The EPA also highlighted its Water Technical Assistance program designed to assist disadvantaged communities in identifying water issues and securing necessary funding. This effort aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative which aims for 40% of certain Federal investments' benefits to reach marginalized communities burdened by pollution.
For further information on these projects or details about state allocations for 2025 funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, interested parties can visit relevant websites such as those for Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs.
The longstanding State Revolving Fund programs have played a crucial role in financing local water projects across America over three decades by providing affordable financing options that offer lasting improvements in public health benefits nationwide.
