Biden-Harris Administration announces $63.3 million for Puerto Rico drinking water infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2024) – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $63.3 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Puerto Rico drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. While the State Revolving Funds have been a foundational source of water infrastructure investments since 1988, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under the Biden-Harris Administration is infusing an additional $50 billion—the largest such investment in American history. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach communities who have been historically disinvested in, and most in need of, water infrastructure improvements. Most importantly, the state revolving funds provide states with the flexibility they need to respond to their most critical issues.
“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.”
“We are investing in clean water and providing millions of dollars to improve our region’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health, enhancing the environment, and boosting local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is a critical moment in time to upgrade water infrastructure in Puerto Rico and for making these vital improvements, particularly in communities that need it most.”
“My administration is committed to ensuring that our people have access to essential services such as clean water, which has a direct impact on the health and safety of our Puerto Rican families. That is why we’re being diligent with every funding opportunity available to modernize our critical infrastructure and make it resilient. EPA has been a constant helping hand to the American citizens of Puerto Rico, and today $63.3 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bolster our joint efforts to protect our water resources, improve our infrastructure, and safeguard the health of our people. I am grateful for the support of the Biden-Harris administration, and in particular the EPA, in our collective goal of ensuring the well-being of our people,”, said the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi.
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 Puerto Rico 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 island-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. 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 in additional resources in fiscal year 2024 for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Puerto Rico
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $229,571,000 into water infrastructure projects across the country protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs
In Puerto Rico, a portion of the DWSRF went to Vieques to provide low interest financing for costs associated with the planning, design and construction of eligible drinking water improvement projects and activities to protect human health. $2.5 M were assigned to Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) for a new construction project which includes the demolition of the existing Punta Lima Tank and the construction of a new tank in the same place and with similar dimensions. This project will benefit approximately 4,819 families of the municipality of Vieques and Culebra, which are considered environmental justice communities.
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 here. To see some additional projects see this 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 2023 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.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
24-13
Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-633-million-puerto-rico-drinking-water
