Following a recent announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, communities in Alaska can soon anticipate access to improved water infrastructure and safer drinking water, as the state will receive more than $13,887,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding will be used to finance projects for modernizing critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
As reported by Alaska Native News:
“We are excited to be a partner in this historic opportunity and assist utilities in addressing their needs,” said Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jason Brune. “The funding allocated to the Alaska State Revolving Fund by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will allow DEC to expand our reach beyond our traditional customer base to make impactful and long lasting improvements to drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as water quality, across the state through low interest loans and loan forgiveness.”
“Clean water is a basic right, but many Alaskan communities still don’t have access to reliable, safe water and plumbing,” said Congresswoman Peltola. “This bipartisan funding will help invest in water infrastructure and provide tools to greatly increase the quality of life for our rural villages. I encourage the EPA to continue working closely with local and tribal leaders in Alaska to understand their unique needs, and encourage any Alaskans with questions about how these funds could benefit their community to contact EPA or my office.”
