Issued: Feb 20, 2024 (3:06pm EST)

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Biden-Harris Administration announces $42 million for District of Columbia drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda

Unprecedented funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming communities across the state

Philadelphia (Feb. 20, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $42 million  from President Biden's Investing in America agenda for District of Columbia 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."

"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."

"With the Biden-Harris Administration's support, we are transforming our infrastructure and building a more connected, sustainable, and equitable DC," said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "Through this funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can continue working with the EPA to upgrade our infrastructure, restore our waterways, and improve reliability in our drinking water system."  

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 the District 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 the District

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $174.9 million into infrastructure projects across the District protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.

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.

For further information: R3press@epa.gov

 

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