EPA awards $15.6 million to Vermont for community water infrastructure projects

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded the State of Vermont $15.6 million to finance its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs.

“This funding will pay for projects that improve water quality and protect drinking water across Vermont, and will provide benefits for decades to come,” EPA’s 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.”

The funding is split between the programs, with $6.8 million going to the CWSRF and $8.8 million going to the SWSRF, both of which are jointly administered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Vermont Bond Bank. The organizations will work to ensure communities throughout the state receive financial aid, in the form of low-interest loans, for projects like wastewater treatment system improvements and pollution prevention programs.

“We appreciate all that EPA and Vermont’s Congressional Delegation has done to direct these resources to Vermont communities,” Vermont DEC Commissioner Alyssa Schuren said. “Water quality and public health will be better protected as these resources are put to work to address Vermont’s serious aging infrastructure challenges and upgrade needs.”