August 14, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted more than $940 million to states, territories, and tribes to support the quality and security of the nation’s drinking water. The water supplies for more than 270 million people will benefit from the funding.
More than $837 million will support Drinking Water State Revolving Funds programs, which help states, territories, and tribes finance infrastructure improvements to public water systems. Eligible projects include upgrades to treatment facilities, certain storage facilities, and distribution systems.
Another $98 million in grants will fund the Public Water Supervision System. This system operates under the Safe Drinking Water Act and provides resources to implement and enforce drinking water regulations and programs.
Finally, EPA will provide $5 million in FY 2006 counter-terrorism grants to states and territories. The grants will help provide drinking water utilities with technical assistance and training to improve the readiness of first responders at drinking water systems, including practicing emergency response and recovery plans. States are also encouraged to develop strategies to help utilities implement security enhancements.
