the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently helped fund $303 million in improvements for the Baltimore area with matching funds from the state and other sources for three dozen clean-water initiatives.
“Restoring our nation’s water infrastructure is one of President Trump’s and EPA’s top priorities because all Americans deserve clean water,” EPA chief Scott Pruitt said in a press release.
Of the total financing package, $32 million will come from the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) under its fiscal 2017 budget, Maryland will contribute $6.4 million and $150 million will come from bond revenue.
The endowment came after the city of Baltimore received an invitation to apply for $200 million in federal loan funds via the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). CWSRF enables the building of wastewater treatment facilities while keeping utility rates stable for consumers, according to the release.
Projects benefiting from the funding comprise treatment plants in both Baltimore City and the surrounding Baltimore County.
“Maryland appreciates EPA’s support of our clean water investment plan to protect public health and safety and prevent water pollution in Maryland communities and the Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles said in the release. “In partnership with EPA, the Maryland Department of the Environment will continue to provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions to help them comply with their pollution reduction requirements under our state’s blueprint to restore the national treasure that is the Chesapeake Bay.”
Alerts Sign-up