The U.S. EPA issued a memorandum detailing the plans for $43 billion in water infrastructure improvement via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This memo was a collaborative effort between state, local, and Tribal partners, as well as with bipartisan support from congress.
This will occur through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the EPA news release.
The $43 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure law will flow through Clean Water and State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The implementation memo provides information and guidelines on how EPA will award and administer supplemental SRF Capitalization Grants for: drinking water and clean water SRF programs; funding for removing lead service lines; and addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl and substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants.
There will be a focus on assisting disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by water issues, according to EPA. Additionally, another component of the memo is the need to support resilience and one water innovation. States are encouraged to support climate adaptation, fund projects that foster resilience to threats and hazards, and focus on energy efficient and climate smart water systems.
The funding will also support plans to “renew America’s water workforce and create good-paying jobs in communities across America,” stated the memo.
As for next steps, EPA will be working with state co-regulators, Tribal partners, and stakeholders to provide training and technical assistance for the development of intended use plans which will identify priority projects for SRF funding.
The SRF programs and EPA aim to make progress for Justice40, which has a goal of ensuring that federal agencies deliver at least 40% of benefits from investments to disadvantaged communities.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment in clean water is nothing short of transformational,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox in the EPA news release. “EPA and its state, local, and Tribal partners have an obligation to work together and maximize the impact of these funds in communities, especially disadvantaged communities. Water is essential, and this action will help ensure that every American can rely on safe drinking water and have access to wastewater management that protects health and the environment.”
SRF funding through the Law may be used in combination with additional funding sources to finance water infrastructure projects, added EPA.
EPA will host national webinars on Mar. 10, 2022, and Mar. 16, 2022 to provide more information. To register visit https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf/forms/bil-implementation-memorandum-webinar.
For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/infrastructure.