EPA gives La. $40 million to upgrade water infrastructure

By Fritz Esker
Contributing Writer

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in November that it would allocate $40,145,000 for Louisiana under the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve water infrastructure.

“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a press release. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges – from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”

The funding is part of a five-year, $50-billion investment in water infrastructure. It is the largest such investment in American history. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of announced funds go to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not need to be paid back.

“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance in a press release. “With the threat of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose.”

The funds will be dispersed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a federal-state water investment partnership. The program funds state-run, low-interest loan programs focusing on key challenges in water infrastructure.

M. Kathleen Struck, director of communications for the EPA’s Office of Water, said the funds can be used for a wide-range of projects. She added states are required to invite the public to provide feedback on the SRF “Intended Use Plan” (IUP). This plan outlines how funds for water infrastructure projects will be allocated within a state. There will be a designated period for submitting comments before the plan is finalized.

One local group receiving funds from this allocation is the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. A spokesperson expressed excitement over the announcement via email.

“This funding, which has been allocated to the State of Louisiana through their revolving loan fund programs for the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health, will continue to be an important source for SWBNO to fund critical projects at lower interest rates, reducing the overall costs of water projects for our customers,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also noted that these are not the first funds the organization has received from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. One example is the Louisiana Hubs for Resilient Operations (HERO) program.

The HERO program is funded by the Department of Energy and will provide money for additional power complex projects to improve the resiliency of New Orleans’ potable water pumping system. The primary strategic priorities of the program are to mitigate threats to energy supply from climate-related risks and provide power to residents 24/7 during emergencies such as tropical storms and hurricanes.

This article originally published in the December 9, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.