U.S. EPA Awards Kansas $35 Million for Wastewater Infrastructure

In a move that stands to create thousands of jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for people in the state of Kansas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $35,374,185 to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

This new infusion of money will help state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to wastewater projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.

"This funding will go a long way toward fixing aging infrastructure in urban and rural communities in the region," said William Rice, acting regional administrator. "Clean water is essential for both healthy communities and healthy local economies. These funds will help fix aging infrastructure and provide good-paying jobs."

The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 will go to the state's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which provides low-interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, nonpoint source pollution control and watershed and estuary management.

An unprecedented $4 billion will be awarded to fund wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the ARRA in the form of low-interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20 percent of the funds provided under the act are to be used for "green" infrastructure, water- and energy-efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.

Source: U.S. EPA