The state of Vermont has been awarded a total of $18,966,000 in revolving loan fund grants to finance community-based water infrastructure projects, such as upgrades to municipal sewage plants and public drinking water systems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday.
"These low-cost loans further EPA’s commitment to ensuring American communities have access to clean water, safe drinking water and the infrastructure necessary to support local needs."
Phil Scott.
"These loans are especially important to our smallest communities, helping pay for crucial infrastructure upgrades, and can be used to enhance drinking and wastewater treatment facilities, keep pollution in check, support green infrastructure projects and more."
The total amount of funding came through separate grants to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation in the amount of $7,859,000 for its clean water revolving fund program, and for $11,107,000 for its drinking water revolving fund program.
In partnership with the Vermont Municipal Bond Bank, the DEC administers the state revolving fund programs at the state level.
Under both loan programs, the EPA provides grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state water loan programs.
Since 1987, the SRFs have provided more than $160 billion in financial assistance to 38,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 14,000 drinking water projects.
Clean water programs provide loans to construct municipal wastewater facilities, control nonpoint sources of pollution, build decentralized wastewater treatment systems, create green infrastructure projects and protect estuaries.
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