WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $49 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority in Key West, Fla. On the same day that it awarded a $156 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water).
In Florida, the loan will support infrastructure upgrades that will make the Florida Keys and its drinking water system more resilient to extreme weather events and climate change.
“Together, this WIFIA loan and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will help ensure a reliable supply of safe water in emergency situations while reducing project costs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s experience with WIFIA shows the multiple community benefits of water infrastructure investments, which would be multiplied under the American Jobs Plan.”
In DC, the loan will help finance water infrastructure improvements throughout the city, including new water mains to improve drinking water quality and reduce service disruptions resulting from breaks in aged pipes.
“EPA’s WIFIA program demonstrates that investments in water infrastructure—just like those called for under the American Jobs Plan—can help our nation build back stronger while supporting lower income communities and communities of color,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “DC Water’s improvement projects will revitalize water infrastructure in this historic city and EPA’s WIFIA loan will provide significant cost-savings—providing a win-win for local communities.”
With the announcement of these WIFIA loans, the agency has announced 49 WIFIA loans that are providing over $9.3 billion in credit assistance to help finance nearly $20 billion for water infrastructure while creating approximately 49,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $4 billion.
