Massachusetts receives $63.7 million in federal funding for water quality projects

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded Massachusetts $63.7 million in funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs, allowing the state to upgrade sewage plants, drinking water systems and aging infrastructure.

“This funding will pay for projects that improve water quality and protect drinking water across Massachusetts, and will provide benefits for decades to come,” EPA New England Office Regional Administrator Curt Spalding said. “Clean drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to protecting people’s health, but aging water infrastructure needs to be upgraded and repaired. EPA’s funding will help continue Massachusetts’ program to invest in drinking water and wastewater systems and protect people’s health.”

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust will administer the funding, which will provide local communities with low-interest loans for projects that protect water quality.

“State Revolving Fund low- and no-interest loans are the most significant source of financing for cities and towns to improve and enhance their drinking water and wastewater systems,”  MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg said. “Massachusetts leverages these federal funds to finance up to $400 million annually in projects that protect our natural resources and the public health, while boosting the construction and engineering economy statewide.”