US EPA offers $257m in funding for wastewater and drinking water projects

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided nearly $257m in financing for water infrastructure projects in New Jersey and New York states.

Of the total funding, nearly $187m has been allocated for New York and the remainder for New Jersey

The funds will be used to upgrade wastewater systems and drinking water systems across both the states.

EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck said: "Clean drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to protecting people’s health, but ageing water infrastructure needs to be upgraded and repaired.

"This federal funding will help New Jersey communities upgrade their drinking water and sewage treatment systems, both of which are imperative for healthy communities."

These funds were allocated to Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programmes in both the states which will in turn provide low-interest loans to local governments for wastewater treatment and drinking water system improvements.

Enck further added: "The EPA is committed to improving water quality throughout New York State."

Since 1989, the EPA has awarded $2.4bn to New Jersey and $5.8bn to New York through these programmes.