Connecticut wins $26 million in funding for water quality and drinking water projects

Connecticut recently won $26 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which will promote improved water infrastructure throughout the state.

“Connecticut has made a tremendous commitment to improving the quality of our waters by making certain wastewater treatment plants in this state are upgraded and modernized to meet the highest standards and through improved management of storm water runoff,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee, whose department will co-administer the CWSRF with the Office of the Treasurer (OTT), said. “This has required a major financial investment and the federal funds available to support us — coupled with extensive state funding — help move us forward toward achieving important water quality goals.”

The CWSRF will receive &17.1 million for projects such as replacing aging water infrastructure in the state and improving wastewater treatment plants. The DWSRF will receive the remaining $8.9 million for updates to drinking water systems in communities throughout the state, especially those that are small or disadvantaged. The DWSRF will be administered by the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) and the OTT.

“Because of these EPA funds, we are able to offer public water systems affordable financing for capital improvement projects that are critical to protecting public health, as well as addressing regulatory requirements and achieving long-term sustainability,” Connecticut DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen said.