EPA awards $25 million in new grants for drinking water projects

In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $25.5 million in grants through a new program to support drinking water systems in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities while reducing impacts of climate change. EPA said this is the first time it is awarding funding under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, with the 16 inaugural selectees spanning Connecticut to Alaska.

The agency said the grant funding will advance progress under President Joe Biden’s Justice40 Initiative by investing in communities with a legacy of environmental justice concerns. Through the grants, EPA will make awards to projects that benefit underserved, small and disadvantaged communities. EPA anticipates making the awards to the selected recipients once they have satisfied legal and administrative requirements.