LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas will be receiving $53,099,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades across the state.
The funding, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is part of a $5.8 billion dollar investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF).
The generous investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs, 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.
“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.”
Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans to help ensure that funds reach underserved communities with the most needs.
“Through President’s Biden Investing in America agenda, EPA can fund long-overdue water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in our nation and prioritize this work in underfunded areas that need it the most,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident.”
The investment will also include allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for the fiscal year 2024.