The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed a substantial investment of $69,422,000 for Louisiana, aimed at bolstering drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. This funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, constitutes a significant portion of the over $50 billion commitment to water infrastructure upgrades under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan hailed the investment as transformative, emphasizing its role in enhancing public health safeguards and fortifying water bodies throughout the state. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come,” stated Regan.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance underscored the importance of targeting underfunded areas, ensuring that essential water and wastewater services are accessible to every resident. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident,” said Dr. Nance.
The investment is part of a broader $5.8 billion allocation through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), aiming to address key challenges in water infrastructure. Louisiana’s share includes $2.6 billion for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure through the Clean Water SRF, and $3.2 billion for drinking water infrastructure through the Drinking Water SRF.
The impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Louisiana’s water infrastructure has already been substantial, with $301,071,000 allocated since 2022. Recent projects include the replacement of deteriorated distribution pipes in Calcasieu Parish and the creation of new water treatment plants in Lafayette Parish and St. Tammany Parish.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been instrumental in financing water infrastructure projects for over 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local initiatives across the nation.
For more information on state-by-state allocations and a breakdown of funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.