BOSTON — Dec. 1, 2015 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded more than $120 million to four states to support water infrastructure projects, according to a press release.
The funds will be used to protect public health and environment by upgrading sewage plants, drinking water systems and replacing aging infrastructure throughout the four regions, noted the release. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island will receive the money. Funds were split between the states’ Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and state-specific groups.
- Massachusetts received $63.7 million.
- New Hampshire received $22.7 million.
- Maine received $19.6 million.
- Rhode Island received $18.2 million.
“This funding will pay for projects that improve water quality and protect drinking water across Massachusetts, and will provide benefits for decades to come,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office in the release. “Clean drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to protecting people’s health, but aging water infrastructure needs to be upgraded and repaired. EPA’s funding will help continue Massachusetts’ program to invest in drinking water and wastewater systems and protect people’s health.”
The release stated that water infrastructure needs are expected to grow as communities develop and climate patterns shift. Green infrastructure can help communities respond to these needs.
“State Revolving Fund low- and no-interest loans are the most significant source of financing for cities and towns to improve and enhance their drinking water and wastewater systems,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg in the release. “Massachusetts leverages these federal funds to finance up to $400 million annually in projects that protect our natural resources and the public health, while boosting the construction and engineering economy statewide.”
You can find the entire release here.