The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $11.3 million to Delaware from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities can use to upgrade essential water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
Nearly half of the funding, which comes through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping lower income communities invest in water infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs, an EPA release stated.
“The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is a powerful partnership between EPA and the states,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Delaware communities can use this additional funding to make a difference with water infrastructure projects that protect public health, ecosystems and waterways throughout the state.”
The Delaware announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2026.
The investment in water infrastructure aims to create jobs while addressing climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals.”http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
“Every Delawarean—no matter their zip code—deserves access to clean water,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Thanks to our historic investments secured as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Delaware is receiving more than $11 million to upgrade our wastewater systems, create good-paying jobs, and enhance the health and well-being of families in our state. Importantly, this robust funding will benefit those communities with the greatest need, helping ensure that clean water is a reality for more Delawareans.”
