Introduction to Funding Opportunities for Public Water Supply Projects

Susquehanna River Basin Commission


Webinar Dates: September 19 and September 21, 2023

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.

Each webinar has three objectives:

  • Share the broader spectrum of available funding programs and their applicability to drinking water infrastructure projects for public water systems in the Susquehanna River Basin.
  • Share strategies that public water systems can use to ensure they pursue the options that best fit their project priorities and meet funding application requirements.
  • Provide a forum where public water suppliers can communicate with agency staff who review applications and award funds, including those who offer technical assistance.

PA Funding: Introduction to Funding Opportunities for PA Public Water Supply Projects
September 19, 2023

Learn about available state and federal PA grant and loan programs, how they apply to drinking water-related projects, and available technical assistance options.

Participating presenters include:

  • EPA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program
  • EPA Region 3 Water Division - Drinking Water Section
  • USDA Rural Development Program
  • Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
  • The Water Center at University of Pennsylvania

NY Funding: Introduction to Funding Opportunities for NY Public Water Supply Projects
September 21, 2023

Learn about available state and federal NY grant and loan programs, how they apply to drinking water-related projects, and available technical assistance options.

Participating presenters include:

  • EPA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program
  • EPA Region 2 Drinking Water and Municipal Infrastructure Branch
  • USDA Rural Development Program
  • New York State Department of Health
  • New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation
  • Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center