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(AGENPARL) – mar 20 febbraio 2024 Issued: Feb 20, 2024 (5:10pm EST)
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Biden-Harris Administration announces $16.5 million for US Virgin Islands
water infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in
America agenda
Unprecedented funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming
communities across the islands
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2024) – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced over $16.5 million from President Biden’s Investing in America
agenda for US Virgin Islands drinking water and clean water infrastructure
upgrades. While the State Revolving Funds have been a foundational source of
water infrastructure investments since 1988, the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law, under the Biden-Harris Administration is infusing an additional $50
billion—the largest such investment in American history. Almost half of this
funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring
funds reach communities who have been historically disinvested in, and most in
need of, water infrastructure improvements. Most importantly, the state
revolving funds provide states with the flexibility they need to respond to
their most critical issues.
“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.”
“We are investing in clean water and providing millions of dollars to
improve our region’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s
health, enhancing the environment, and boosting local economies,” said EPA
Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is a critical moment in time to
upgrade water infrastructure in US Virgin Islands and for making these vital
improvements, particularly in communities that need it most.”
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 US Virgin Islands 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 islands-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. 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 in additional resources in
fiscal year 2024 for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line
Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in the US Virgin Islands
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $102,449,000 into
water infrastructure projects across the US Virgin Islands to protect public
health, preserve water resources, and create jobs. As part of today’s
announcement, EPA released for the first time an initial list of 124
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded SRF projects that are underway across the
country. A full list of the projects can be viewed on EPA’s website.
These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view some stories
about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the
country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap
here. To see some additional projects see this Quarterly Report.
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 2023 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.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information
about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
24-12
(347) 908-3374
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