The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed the availability of $49 million in new funding aimed at providing technical assistance to rural, small, and Tribal communities facing significant challenges related to wastewater and water quality.
This funding will be allocated to technical assistance providers who will support communities in assessing their water infrastructure needs and navigating suitable funding avenues. This initiative reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to promoting environmental justice.
“Our nation’s water infrastructure is essential for delivering clean drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses while safely returning wastewater to the environment. However, many people across the country are struggling with outdated, damaged, or nonexistent water systems,” stated EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water, Bruno Pigott.
“This $49 million will enable more rural, small, and Tribal communities to tackle urgent water issues while furthering the Biden-Harris Administration’s mission to bridge the water equity gap in our nation.”
Numerous rural, small, and Tribal systems encounter distinct financial and operational obstacles, such as aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, rising costs, and decreasing rate bases.
The EPA’s grant funding will be utilized to evaluate the most urgent water challenges within communities, offer training on best practices for water infrastructure and management, assist in navigating the federal funding application process, and strategically invest in dependable infrastructure solutions.
Technical assistance providers for Rural, Small, and Tribal communities play a crucial role in ensuring these areas can access resources for infrastructure enhancements. They offer direct support to strengthen technical, managerial, and financial capabilities for operating both centralized and decentralized wastewater management systems.
The EPA’s notice regarding funding availability outlines four key priorities for this initiative:
1. Financing and Funding Acquisition: Applicants will assist rural, small, and Tribal communities in planning and securing funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and other sources.
2.Water Quality Protection and Compliance Support: This funding will aid communities in enhancing their technical, managerial, and financial capacities while ensuring compliance.
3.Tribal Wastewater Systems: This focus area provides training and technical assistance to tribes regarding their Clean Water Infrastructure.
4.Decentralized Wastewater Systems: With over 20% of U.S. households relying on septic and other decentralized systems, this priority area offers support to those communities. The EPA is accepting applications until November 25, 2024.
Information about how to apply is available on EPA’s Training and Technical Assistance Program for Rural, Small, and Tribal Wastewater Systems webpage.
Source :EPA
