EPA announces $69.7M for West Virginia 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)
PHILADELPHIA – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $69 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for West Virginia drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. This investment will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and important water bodies across the state.
The funding announced for West Virginia 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. EPA will announce allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for BIL Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this spring.
“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.”
Almost half of the funding announced today will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring that funds reach underserved communities that are most in need.
“Since 2022, funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has enabled EPA to distribute more than $2 billion across the mid-Atlantic region to spur new and necessary investments in water quality,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to this historic funding, more communities will receive the clean and safe drinking water that every American deserves.”
“One of the cornerstones of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that we crafted and negotiated at the Environment and Public Works Committee is funding to repair, rebuild, and expand water and wastewater systems across the country, “ said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). “Importantly, through the State Revolving Funds, we also provided flexibility for states to address their own unique needs. I’m pleased to see these resources being disbursed today to continue upgrading our local infrastructure and provide safe, clean water for West Virginians.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver critical investments for West Virginia,” said U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). “I’m pleased the EPA is awarding more than $69 million to upgrade water infrastructure, promote public health, and protect bodies of water statewide. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects and, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working with the EPA to ensure every West Virginian across the Mountain State has access to clean, reliable water.”
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has injected $246 million into water infrastructure projects across West Virginia. To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the BIL 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/epa-announces-697m-west-virginia-drinking-water-wastewater-and-stormwater
