Biden-Harris administration announces $157M for New Jersey water infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
Unprecedented funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming communities across the state
NEW JERSEY – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tuesday announced over $157 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for New Jersey drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
While the State Revolving Funds have been a foundational source of water infrastructure investments since 1988, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under the Biden-Harris Administration is infusing an additional $50 billion—the largest such investment in American history.
Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach communities who have been historically disinvested in, and most in need of, water infrastructure improvements. Most importantly, the state revolving funds provide states with the flexibility they need to respond to their most critical issues.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“We are investing in clean water and providing millions of dollars to improve our region’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health, enhancing the environment, and boosting local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is a critical moment in time to upgrade water infrastructure in New Jersey and for making these vital improvements, particularly in communities that need it most.”
“Few goals are more important than delivering safe and clean drinking water to our communities and the more than nine million residents who call them home. I am grateful to President Biden, EPA Administrator Regan, and our Congressional delegation for delivering on their promise to New Jersey. This funding, together with the state’s investment, will support our ambitious $1 billion Water Infrastructure Investment Plan – providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize our aging water and stormwater infrastructure, mitigate flooding, and further our pursuit of environmental justice by delivering safe drinking water to all,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to be a game-changer, powering investments needed to upgrade the infrastructure we need to provide safe drinking water and protect the health of our waterways,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “My DEP colleagues and I express our deepest thanks to Administrator Garcia and her team at the EPA for sharing our commitment to prioritizing clean-water and drinking-water projects in disadvantaged and underserved communities that will make them healthier and create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.”
“This large investment in New Jersey through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a significant step toward addressing our state’s critical water infrastructure needs,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This investment will help replace old lead pipes, ensure access to clean drinking water, and rebuild our stormwater infrastructure while creating countless jobs and stimulating our economy. I’m proud to have voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for every New Jerseyan.”
“Contaminated drinking water threatens the health and safety of our children and families across our state — whether that’s elevated lead levels or forever chemicals known as PFAS. For years now, I’ve been fighting to get clean drinking water for Jersey families, to protect our local waters, and to claw more federal tax dollars back to Jersey from Washington. Now, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill I helped pass and get signed into law, I’m excited that we’re clawing back a new federal investment to Jersey to construct more water infrastructure, while helping to lower the local tax burden on our residents,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).
“Aging water infrastructure and the substantial cost to update them are issues many mayors throughout New Jersey have raised with me. That is why I fought so hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver for New Jersey by bringing federal funding back to meet our needs. These programs will improve quality of life in our communities—through the mitigation of flood risks, replacement of lead pipes, modernization of wastewater systems, and treatment of PFAS—while keeping costs down for the state and municipalities. I appreciate the EPA’s work with us to protect clean water in New Jersey,” said U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ -11).
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water, and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for New Jersey is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water New Jersey Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs.
This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide.
Tuesday’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions in additional resources in fiscal year 2024 for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
