New York, NY, Oct. 17, 2012 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $46 million to Puerto Rico to help finance improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment. The funds will primarily be used to upgrade sewage plants and drinking water systems throughout the island.
"The EPA is committed to improving water quality throughout Puerto Rico," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. "This funding will help Puerto Rico communities upgrade their drinking water and sewage treatment systems, both of which are imperative for healthy communities."
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, administrated by the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, received $37,693,000. The program provides low-interest loans for water quality protection projects to make improvements to wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from rain water runoff and protect sensitive water bodies, including the San Juan Bay estuary.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, received $8,975,000. The program provides low-interest loans to finance improvements to drinking water systems, with a particular focus on providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
Since 1989, the EPA has awarded $652 million to Puerto Rico through these programs.
For more information on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, visit http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfm.
For information on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/.
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