New funding will ensure communities have access to clean waterways and safe drinking water

November 29, 2023

Contact Information

(r3press@epa.gov)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award West Virginia $109.88 million to support improvements to water systems and access to safe drinking water across the state. Most of the funding—$93.15 million—comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement $16.73 million in FY 23 funding assigned to West Virginia’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). 

“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”

EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. West Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise. Proposed projects for this funding are listed in the states intended use plans.

“Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Governor Jim Justice and the support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, West Virginia, in cooperation with our federal partners, is set to make significant strides in enhancing our wastewater systems and ensuring safe drinking water for all our residents," said West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Harold Ward. "Governor Justice's proactive approach and collaboration with federal initiatives have been pivotal in securing these funds. The increased funding will not only address immediate needs, but lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for communities of need throughout our state."

The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more  about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

For more information on intended projects for this Drinking Water SRF funding in West Virginia, please visit:  https://oehs.wvdhhr.org/eed/infrastructure-capacity-development/intended-use-plans/. For information on intended projects for this Clean Water SRF funding, please visit: https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/programs/SRF/Pages/default.aspx.