EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $26M for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Oregon

Nearly half of funding for states, Tribes, and territories is available as grants and forgivable loans for critical water infrastructure projects that will help underserved communities across the country

Contact Information: EPA Region 10 Public Affairs Office, r10_press_team@epa.gov   

SEATTLE (February 24, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $26,210,000 to Oregon from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Oregon communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. 

“The unprecedented investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are what our communities and our environment need,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This infusion of funds will help rebuild Oregon’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure, and will expand access to clean, safe water to communities that have too long been underserved. I encourage Oregon communities to apply for these grants and seize this unique opportunity.” 

“Access to clean water shouldn’t depend on your zip code in Oregon or anywhere else in America,” said Senator Wyden. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I’m proud to have helped pass into law will improve quality of life in underserved communities by providing access to this landmark federal investment ensuring the water supply is clean and dependable in our state and nationwide.” 

“Clean drinking water is vital to the health and safety of every community,” said Senator Merkley. “I’m pleased these funds will help upgrade and improve water infrastructure—a top priority I hear from folks in rural Oregon. I’ll continue to do all I can to help make sure Oregon’s and America’s communities have the building blocks to thrive.” 

“The United States is in an infrastructure crisis,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03). “Children should not be poisoned from using the drinking fountains at their schools. These investments will enable us to make long-overdue progress that will make a difference for years to come.” 

“Everyone should have access to clean water,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). “This funding from the EPA will allow communities to make overdue updates to water and wastewater systems to protect the health of families, individuals, and the environment. I am glad to help secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and look forward to seeing how it benefits Oregon and our country.” 

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.  

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.  

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf .