The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $169 million in funding to New Jersey for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
The funding awards, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
Over $73 million comes through the Clean Water SRF and over $95 million through the Drinking Water SRF for a total of $169 million. The Clean Water SRF primarily funds wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. These funds supplement nearly $48 million in regular funding to New Jersey’s Clean Water SRF program in fiscal year (FY) 2022.
“Thanks to the determined advocacy of New Jersey’s congressional delegation, the arrival of nearly $169 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will further advance our progress toward fortifying the state’s water infrastructure,” says New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Now more than ever, we recognize the crucial importance of high-quality drinking water and wastewater systems, especially in our environmental justice communities. This funding will help us deliver on the promise of securing safe, reliable drinking water and resilient wastewater and stormwater management systems for every New Jerseyan.”
The agency awarded New Jersey a total of over $95 million in FY 2022 grants through the Drinking Water SRF, which includes $31 million for supplemental drinking water projects, $48 million to identify and replace lead service lines, and nearly $17 million to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. The funding supplements approximately $12 million in regular funding to New Jersey’s Drinking Water SRF program in FY 2022.
These grants will continue to be awarded, on a rolling, state-by-state basis, as more states receive approval throughout FY 2023; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state.
