The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted $100,000 to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) in order to improve and preserve local water quality.
The funds will go towards the maintenance of water quality planning programs, while also funding initiatives to increase public awareness for the importance of water quality protection and improvements.
EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez claims the funds will be of great help towards recovery efforts in the wake of recent destruction by hurricanes.
“EPA has been working hand in hand with U.S. Virgin Islands officials to respond to the tremendous challenges of recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Lopez. “This grant provides urgently needed help for the U.S. Virgin Islands to plan for, and be in a better position to withstand, future storm events.”
The cash injection will also aid in assessing water quality, identifying and protecting potentially dangerous water bodies and to develop and implement better management of storm water.
This announcement marks another significant allotment given to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as they have received $300,000 over the last three years.
