In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local
economies, improve aging water infrastructure, and protect human health and the
environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved billions of
dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to help
various state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to
water quality and wastewater projects.
The ARRA specifically
includes $7.22 billion for projects and programs administered by EPA. These
programs will protect and promote both green jobs and a healthier environment,
the agency says.
The Clean
Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund includes $4
billion for assistance to help communities with water quality and wastewater
infrastructure needs, and $2 billion for drinking water infrastructure needs. A
portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and
energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects.
EPA has also pledged nearly $39 million
nationally to states for Water Quality Management Planning grants.
President Barrack Obama signed ARRA
Feb. 17, and has directed the Recovery Act be implemented “with unprecedented
transparency and accountability”. To that end, the American people can see how
every dollar is being invested atRecovery.gov.
For regional water infrastructure news,
visitwww.epa.gov.
EPA Pledges Billions To States' Water Infrastructure Projects
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