The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $43.8 million (€40.2 million) from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Utah drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
This funding is part of the over $50 billion (€46 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.
“Over the past three years, EPA has invested nearly $175 million (€160 million) for new and upgraded wastewater and drinking water services in Utah communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.
“These projects are building new treatment and delivery systems, creating jobs and securing healthy watersheds and safe drinking water across the state.”
"This funding represents a significant opportunity to support Utah’s interests in improving our water resilience and security,” said Utah Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Kim Shelley. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to make multigenerational investments in water infrastructure that will protect and improve public health, provide jobs, and support economic development."
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.
Funding boost for US water infrastructure projects
