EPA Announces Availability of $7.5 Billion in WIFIA Funds
On September 21, EPA initiated the 7th round of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding by announcing the availability of $6.5 billion through the WIFIA program and $1 billion available through the State WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. SWIFIA provides loans exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for both WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. EPA’s announcement notes that prospective borrowers can also receive technical assistance to develop a funding request that meets WIFIA requirements. EPA has identified priority areas for this latest round of funding, such as increasing investment in economically stressed communities, making rapid progress on lead service line replacement, addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants, mitigating the impacts of drought, and supporting water innovation and resilience. More information on this funding can be found on EPA’s website.