EPA awards California $253 million for infrastructure to support safe drinking water

(UC) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $2.7 billion nationwide in support to water infrastructure via State Revolving Funds (SRFs), including $252,873,000 for California. SRF funding assists states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects that protect surface water and provide safe drinking water to communities across the United States.

In addition to the SRF award, $42,000,000 was awarded to California this year under the Additional Supplemental Appropriation for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA). The one-time ASADRA funds will provide funding for wastewater treatment works and drinking water facilities impacted by wildfires in 2018.

“EPA is delivering on its commitment to modernize water infrastructure and improve public health and environmental protections in the Pacific Southwest,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA’s $346.8 million contribution to the State Revolving Funds in the region will enable more communities to make the investments needed to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation.”

The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will receive and administer the SRF appropriations. The State Water Board assists wastewater and water systems to maintain or bring them into compliance with federal and state clean water and drinking water requirements. With the addition of the ASADRA funds this year, the State Water Board expects to assist several applicants affected by the 2018 wildfires, such as the Paradise Irrigation District and Montecito Water District. 

In 2020, EPA awarded $1.6 billion nationwide in new federal grant funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $53.2 million in ASADRA CWSRF funds. Out of these funds, California received $113,653,000 and $183,000 respectively. This funding is available for a wide range of water infrastructure projects, including modernizing aging wastewater infrastructure, implementing water reuse and recycling and addressing stormwater.

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