E.P.A. Provides State of Vermont $15.6 Million for Water Infrastructure Plans

BOSTON - The E.P.A. has awarded $15.6 million to the State of Vermont to help finance enhancements to water plans that are essential to protecting public health and the environment. The funds will be primarily used to upgrade sewage plants and drinking water systems, as well as replacing aging infrastructure, throughout the state.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, administrated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Vermont Bond Bank, received $6.8 million. EPA's backing provides low-interest loans for water quality protection plans to make enhancements to wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from stormwater runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, also administrated by the Vermont DEC and the Vermont Bond Bank, received $8.8 million. EPA's backing provides low-interest loans to finance enhancements to drinking water systems, with a particular focus on providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.

"This backing will pay for plans that enhance water quality and protect drinking water across Vermont, and will provide benefits for decades to come," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "Clean drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to protecting people's health, but aging water infrastructure needs to be upgraded and repaired. EPA's backing will help continue Vermont's plan to invest in drinking water and wastewater systems and protect people's health."

"We appreciate all that E.P.A. and Vermont's Congressional Delegation has done to direct these resources to Vermont communities," said Alyssa Schuren, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner. "Water quality and public health will be better protected as these resources are put to work to address Vermont's serious aging infrastructure challenges and upgrade needs."

Since the beginning of this program, E.P.A. has awarded approximately $380 million to Vermont for the construction, expansion and upgrading of clean water infrastructure resulting in decreased pollution entering waterbodies throughout the state.

As communities develop and climate patterns shift, water infrastructure needs are expected to grow. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective and resilient approach to water infrastructure needs that provides benefits to communities across the nation.

More information:

- EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund: http://www2.epa.gov/cwsrf
- EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: http://www2.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf

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