Eric Douglas Published

EPA Money Awarded To W.Va. For Water Projects

Heavy equipment and large pipes against a blue sky backdrop with the sun shining.
West Virginia American Water Company says a rate increase is needed to cover $340 million in upgrades to water and wastewater systems.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award West Virginia the money to support improvements to water systems and access to safe drinking water across the state. 

Most of the funding – $93.15 million – comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in the nation’s history. This funding will supplement $16.73 million in FY 23 funding assigned to West Virginia’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). 

“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The bipartisan infrastructure law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”

The EPA awards grants to states annually. The money goes into State Revolving Funds, which provide low or no interest loans for the water projects. 

West Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise. 

For more information on intended projects for this Drinking Water SRF funding in West Virginia, please visit:  https://oehs.wvdhhr.org/eed/infrastructure-capacity-development/intended-use-plans/.