Biden administration allocates $43 million for New Mexico water infrastructure upgrades

(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $42.95 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for New Mexico to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history.

The funding 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.

“In New Mexico, we know firsthand that water is life – our communities must have access to a reliable source of clean water. I’m proud to welcome this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of more than $42 million to upgrade water infrastructure across New Mexico,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This historic investment will make a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans and communities in need." 

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.

“Modernizing our water infrastructure is how we create the foundation for communities in New Mexico to thrive,” said Senator Martin Heinrich (NM). “I am proud to welcome this historic federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will provide clean, reliable drinking water to the communities of Socorro and Ruidoso for generations to come.”

The funding EPA announced for New Mexico 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 state-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 nationwide.

The 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 of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $174,878,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.

In the City of Soroco, EPA provided $7,570,000 to expand the city sewer system and remove residents from failing septic systems which can cause pathogens and harmful substances to leak into the groundwater. In the Village of Ruidoso, $350,000 was given to upgrade the Stormwater Master Plan which is used to address flood mitigation, drainage provision, or risk assessment practices.

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