The Press Release about the EPA Funding was Issued by the Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Me.) Yesterday, February 24, 2023.
The state of Maine is slated to receive $17,961,000. in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
The fundiing will support Maine communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs according to a press release issued yesterday by the office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME.).
Yesterday’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundeds of critical water infrasructure projects around the country.
President Biden’s Bipatisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY 2022 and FY 2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralizled increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per-and poly-fluoroalky substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael W. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”
This historic news reminds me of the late US Senator Ed Muskie, (D-ME) who among his many accomplishments was a champion for the environment with his work on the Clean Air Act of 1970 and on the Clean Water Act of 1971. He served as Secretary of State during the Carter Presidential administration. He was born in 1914 in Rumford and died in 1996 in Washington, D.C.