Biden-Harris Administration announces over $64 million for South Carolina drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (February 21, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $64 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for South Carolina 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.”
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making much-needed investments in South Carolina’s infrastructure,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “As one of the fastest growing states in the country, it’s essential that our clean water infrastructure can support the influx of people and businesses to our state while protecting our water resources. Thanks to the Biden Administration, this funding positions South Carolina to continue its historic growth into the 21st century.”
“This federal funding will be an incredible boost to our ongoing efforts to make sure utilities across the state have the resources they need to properly maintain their system infrastructure and provide quality drinking water and wastewater services to their customers,” said Myra Reece, Director of Environmental Affairs for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. “We look forward to ensuring this EPA funding benefits the communities in our state that need it most.”
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $182 million into water infrastructure projects across South Carolina—protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs- including:
- $5.9 million to Darlington, SC– Darlington currently has 17 residential roads in that are currently served by a private water system that is contaminated with PFAS. The community add water mains and extend water service to the impacted area.
- $290,000 to Donalds Due West WSA – Due West will complete a utility asset inventory and draft a capital improvements plan to identify priority improvements to their drinking water systems.
To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s new Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
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.
Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-over-64-million-south-carolina-drinking-water
