The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $351 million in funding for Fort Worth, Texas, aimed at enhancing water and recycling infrastructure. This funding includes a $347 million loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and a grant of $4,817,344 from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program.
The WIFIA loan will be used to upgrade wastewater collection and treatment systems, supporting beneficial water reuse through a new water reclamation facility designed to meet the needs of Fort Worth's growing population. The facility will treat wastewater for industrial and irrigation purposes. The SWIFR grant will fund the Reuse Program and Recycling Enhancement Project, which focuses on collecting appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics for reuse at designated drop-off locations.
Scott Mason, Regional Administrator, said that "Fort Worth’s growth has made it a premier destination in Texas for families and businesses," emphasizing the need for clean water infrastructure and materials management services. Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted that "the EPA’s WIFIA loan... allows us to stretch every dollar by securing low interest rates and flexible repayment terms."
The WIFIA program is designed to accelerate investment in national water infrastructure by offering long-term credit assistance with competitive interest rates. By combining federal funding with state, local, and private investments, the EPA aims to boost water infrastructure projects across the country. Since its inception, the WIFIA program has announced $22 billion in financing for over 140 projects nationwide.
Meanwhile, the SWIFR program provides grants to improve post-consumer materials management infrastructure and supports local waste management improvements. These initiatives contribute to economic development across various communities.
