The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state of California with $173.5 million in funding to be put towards drinking water and wastewater projects. The windfall also includes a $1.2 million grant to the city of Vallejo.
Specifically, the EPA awarded the new funding to the State Water Resources Control Board for its State Revolving Fund programs. Such programs are supplemented by state funding and other independent investors.
“Investing in water infrastructure with our state partners is a priority for the Trump Administration and ensures communities can deliver safe drinking water and wastewater treatment,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “This funding is critical to supporting public health and environmental goals in California.”
Monterey One Water will receive an $88 million share of the grant to install a new water treatment facility in Monterey County. The city of Santa Monica will take a $52.9 million loan in order to collect and treat municipal wastewater, storm water and impaired groundwater.
Since their creation in 1988 and 1966, respectively, EPA has granted California’s revolving fund programs nearly $5 billion.
“The State Revolving Fund programs allow us to help a wide variety of communities throughout the state,” said State Water Resources Control Board Vice Chair Steven Moore. “But their financial strength and versatility are especially good at helping small and disadvantaged communities that otherwise might not have access to the capital they need to solve their water treatment problems.”
