Introduction to Funding Opportunities for Public Water Supply Projects

There is currently millions of state and federal dollars available to be tapped by Susquehanna River Basin public water suppliers! The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) enacted in November 2021 is the single-largest investment in water infrastructure in U.S. history. BIL provides billions for essential water infrastructure upgrades and the majority of this funding, approximately 85 percent, flows through the State Revolving Fund (SRF). In addition, EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program are two established financing options for drinking water utility improvements. Accessing financing opportunities and associated technical support does not have to be an overwhelming process when equipped with the right tools and knowledge on where to start. The Public Water Supply Assistance Program hosted two webinars in September 2023 that provide PWS operators and their consultants with the ins and outs of available drinking water infrastructure funding and technical assistance. Not all funding options may apply and it can be difficult to navigate the process to secure various loans and grants, so we have collaborated with Susquehanna River Basin state and federal organizations to identify available financing and technical assistance at a higher level, how grants and loans apply to drinking water related projects, and how suppliers can use those finances to best fit their project priorities.