Biden-Harris Administration Launches New $19M Grant Program To Improve Climate Resilience Of Nation's Drinking Water Infrastructure

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $19M in new grant funding that will work to improve the climate resilience of the nation’s water infrastructure. EPA’s Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program will support drinking water systems in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities that are working to prepare for and reduce vulnerability to impacts from climate change ranging from extreme flooding to extreme drought.

“This summer communities have faced worsening climate impacts like extreme heat, flooding and intense storms, which have strained access to the clean drinking water we all deserve. These stressors pose a unique challenge to water systems in vulnerable communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “These grants will build upon the progress of the Bipartisan infrastructure Law by investing in critical water infrastructure that is resilient and can withstand the oftentimes destabilizing impacts of climate disasters.”

Environmental justice and equity are a central part of EPA’s programs and this action advances progress under President Biden’s EJ Strong Initiative by investing in communities with a legacy of environmental injustice concerns. Through this grant, EPA is seeking applications for projects that will benefit underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities.

This grant will be made available through a competitive Request for Application process. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include public water systems, a water system located in an area governed by an Indian Tribe, eligible territories, and states on behalf of communities that are underserved and small or disadvantaged. Eligible activities for funding include planning, design, construction, implementation, operation, or maintenance of a program or project that increases drinking water system resilience to natural hazards. The funding opportunity will remain open for 60 days on the Grants.gov webpage

Background
EPA’s Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program was established under the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. AWIA improves drinking water and water quality, deepens infrastructure investments, enhances public health and quality of life, increases jobs, and bolsters the economy. Learn more about the grant program.