Biden-Harris Administration announces $42,956,000 for New Mexico to Upgrade Drinking Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
DALLAS, TEXAS (February 22, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $42,956,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for New Mexico to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“Through President’s Biden Investing in America agenda, EPA can fund long-overdue water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in our nation, and prioritize this work in underfunded areas that need it the most,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident.”
“This funding comes as our state continues to face unprecedented water challenges, as temperatures rise and precipitation decreases,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Thanks to the leadership of the Biden administration and the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our state will be better prepared for a changing climate and better positioned to protect and conserve our precious water resources.”
“In New Mexico, we know firsthand that water is life – our communities must have access to a reliable source of clean water. I’m proud to welcome this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of more than $42 million to upgrade water infrastructure across New Mexico,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This historic investment will make a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans and communities in need.”
“Modernizing our water infrastructure is how we create the foundation for communities in New Mexico to thrive,” said Senator Martin Heinrich (NM). “I am proud to welcome this historic federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will provide clean, reliable drinking water to the communities of Socorro and Ruidoso for generations to come.”
“I am so thrilled the Village of Ruidoso will receive $350,000 from the Biden-Harris Administration for their stormwater system,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “This is what investing in America truly looks like—giving communities the tools they need to make their lives better. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is reshaping communities all over New Mexico and across the country!”
“I am so proud to welcome over $7.5 million in federal funding to expand Socorro’s vital sewer system,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02). “This investment not only enhances infrastructure but lays the groundwork for cleaner, safer communities to help New Mexicans thrive.”
“As the primary state agency that works directly with New Mexico’s towns and cities to update critical water infrastructure, we know firsthand the incredible impact that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is having on our communities,” said NM Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “These investments will connect more homes to sewer systems and remove them from aging septic systems, saving residents money and protecting our precious groundwater for years to come.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for New Mexico is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in New Mexico
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $174,878,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.
In the City of Soroco, EPA provided $7,570,000 to expand the city sewer system and remove residents from failing septic systems which can cause pathogens and harmful substances to leak into the groundwater. In the Village of Ruidoso, $350,000 was given to upgrade the Stormwater Master Plan which is used to address flood mitigation, drainage provision, or risk assessment practices.
These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view some stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To see some additional projects, please view our Quarterly Report.
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
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Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-42956000-new-mexico-upgrade-drinking-water
