EPA invites Atlanta to apply for water infrastructure loan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting a total of 38 projects in 18 states to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans. Together, the selected borrowers will apply for WIFIA loans totaling approximately $6 billion to help finance over $12 billion in water infrastructure investments and create almost 200,000 jobs.

EPA’s WIFIA loans will allow communities across the country to implement projects to address national water priorities – including providing for clean and safe drinking water by reducing exposure to lead and emerging contaminants, addressing aging water infrastructure and developing water recycling and reuse projects. EPA received 51 letters of interest from both public and private entities in response to the 2019 WIFIA Notice of Funding Availability. After a robust, statutorily required review process, the WIFIA Selection Committee chose the city of Atlanta - Water Distribution System Resiliency Program.

The city of Atlanta has been invited to apply for a $35 million WIFIA loan to go towards the Water Distribution System Resiliency Program. The purpose of the program is to enhance the reliability of water service by addressing the operational resilience of critical components of the City’s water system. A key goal of the program is a continuous water supply with sustained pressures above 20 lbs/in2 (psi), which will preserve water quality and avoid Boil Water Advisories.