EPA loans $45M for centralized wastewater in Sarpy County, Nebraska

The U.S. EPA announced a $45 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency in eastern Nebraska.

The financing will support the South Sarpy Wastewater System Project, which will introduce centralized wastewater treatment to residences and businesses.

The South Sarpy Wastewater System Project will install a new wastewater transmission system that will move nearly 13 million gallons of wastewater per day for treatment. The project is designed to be climate resilient — lift stations will be constructed above the 100-year flood elevation and will feature backup engine generators for use during significant weather events.

“Safely managing wastewater is essential to healthy, thriving communities. With EPA’s $45 million WIFIA loan, nearly 200,000 residents will be connected to reliable wastewater treatment. This project will reduce costs for homeowners while protecting public health and the environment,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. In addition to the WIFIA program, EPA is investing $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management while creating good-paying local jobs.”

EPA estimates that Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency will save approximately $15 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in its infrastructure could create approximately 450 jobs.