NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2024) – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $157 million from Biden's Investing in America agenda for New Jersey 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.”

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 New Jersey is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water New Jersey 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. 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 New Jersey

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $555 million into water infrastructure projects across the country protecting public health, preserving water resources and creating jobs.

Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission ("PVSC") recently closed on a $23 million loan with the NJ Water Bank, which includes critical BIL funding, to rehabilitate the Wallington Pump Station. While interim modifications have been made since its original construction in 1924, the basic structure and facility have remained unchanged for nearly sixty years. Several original design features are outdated and in need of upgrading to comply with current technological standards and practices. The project includes mechanical, structural, electrical, and security improvements. Some of the proposed work includes updating pumps, control system upgrades, and emergency generator relocation. Renovation of the Wallington Pump station will make it more reliable, safer, and less costly to maintain, while still preserving the historic structure of the building.

These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view more 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 Revolving Funds and the Clean Water New Jersey 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 to a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.

For more information, including  New Jersey-by- New Jersey allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA  New Jersey Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water  New Jersey Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water  New Jersey Revolving Fund website.