EPA Region 3 Awards More Than $109M for Water Infrastructure Upgrades in West Virginia
West Virginia is set to receive a substantial $109.88 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance water systems and ensure access to safe drinking water throughout the state. The majority of this funding, amounting to $93.15 million, is sourced from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), marking the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in the nation’s history. This BIL contribution will complement an additional $16.73 million allocated from the Fiscal Year 2023 funding for West Virginia’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
According to the EPA,
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. West Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise. Proposed projects for this funding are listed in the states intended use plans.
“Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Governor Jim Justice and the support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, West Virginia, in cooperation with our federal partners, is set to make significant strides in enhancing our wastewater systems and ensuring safe drinking water for all our residents,” said West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Harold Ward. “Governor Justice’s proactive approach and collaboration with federal initiatives have been pivotal in securing these funds. The increased funding will not only address immediate needs, but lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for communities of need throughout our state.”
