The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new round of funding for water infrastructure projects through its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. This program offers low-interest loans to communities for investment in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
The $7.5 billion announced will be used to fund projects across the country and builds on the $19 billion already awarded through WIFIA, financing 109 projects and creating over 60,000 jobs. The program aims to ensure all communities have access to clean and safe water.
Priority areas for this funding round include supporting economically stressed communities, replacing lead service lines, addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, mitigating drought impacts, and encouraging water innovation and resilience. The EPA offers technical assistance to help communities develop funding requests.
Examples of successful WIFIA projects include upgrades to water infrastructure in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Santa Cruz, California, as well as improvements to wastewater systems in Wichita, Kansas, and Boise, Idaho. These projects have helped to ensure safe drinking water, reduce pollution, and improve water resilience.
