Pennsylvania will receive a total of $240,167,000 from the EPA to improve water infrastructure. This funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will supplement the $67 million awarded to Pennsylvania for its Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds in fiscal year 2022. The money will be used to help communities access safe, clean water, repair aging pipes, collect and treat wastewater, and build resiliency in the face of extreme weather events.
Senator Casey announced the funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this week. The funding will go to PENNVEST, the state’s environmental revolving loan program, and will advance the Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal programs to underserved communities, advancing environmental justice.
“All communities deserve access to clean, safe water. This funding will expand access to clean drinking water, invest in projects that collect and treat wastewater to protect public health and improve water resources for all to enjoy. Investments like these are particularly important because they reach many families who have historically been marginalized. And, as we continue to face the worsening effects of the climate crisis, this investment will mean increased resiliency in the face of unpredictable weather patterns like floods and hurricanes,” said Senator Casey.
In Pennsylvania, it is estimated that over 700,000 residents do not have access to clean drinking water and 2.5 million lack adequate wastewater treatment. With this funding, PENNVEST will be able to provide much-needed assistance to these communities. In addition, the Justice40 initiative aims to ensure that underserved communities receive a “fair share” of the benefits of this funding.
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