Biden-Harris Administration announces $157 million for New Jersey water infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
Unprecedented funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming communities across the state
February 20, 2024
Contact Information
Iris M. Crawford (Crawford.iris@epa.gov)
(347) 908-3374
NEW YORK – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $157 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda for New Jersey drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. While the State Revolving Funds have been a foundational source of water infrastructure investments since 1988, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under the Biden-Harris Administration is infusing an additional $50 billion—the largest such investment in American history. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach communities who have been historically disinvested in, and most in need of, water infrastructure improvements. Most importantly, the state revolving funds provide states with the flexibility they need to respond to their most critical issues.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“We are investing in clean water and providing millions of dollars to improve our region’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health, enhancing the environment, and boosting local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is a critical moment in time to upgrade water infrastructure in New Jersey and for making these vital improvements, particularly in communities that need it most.”
“Few goals are more important than delivering safe and clean drinking water to our communities and the more than nine million residents who call them home. I am grateful to President Biden, EPA Administrator Regan, and our Congressional delegation for delivering on their promise to New Jersey. This funding, together with the state’s investment, will support our ambitious $1 billion Water Infrastructure Investment Plan – providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize our aging water and stormwater infrastructure, mitigate flooding, and further our pursuit of environmental justice by delivering safe drinking water to all,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to be a game-changer, powering investments needed to upgrade the infrastructure we need to provide safe drinking water and protect the health of our waterways,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “My DEP colleagues and I express our deepest thanks to Administrator Garcia and her team at the EPA for sharing our commitment to prioritizing clean-water and drinking-water projects in disadvantaged and underserved communities that will make them healthier and create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.”
“This large investment in New Jersey through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a significant step toward addressing our state’s critical water infrastructure needs,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This investment will help replace old lead pipes, ensure access to clean drinking water, and rebuild our stormwater infrastructure while creating countless jobs and stimulating our economy. I’m proud to have voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is laying the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for every New Jerseyan.”
"Clean and safe drinking water is essential to our communities" U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) said. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make a difference throughout New Jersey by investing in our infrastructure, turbocharging local economies, ensuring clean drinking water, and improving the quality of life for everyone. I applaud President Biden and the EPA for announcing this investment of $157 million that will provide clean drinking water to communities in South Jersey and across the state."
“No one in our country should worry about whether the water coming into their house or work is clean or not. I am proud to see our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continuing to look out for this essential, everyday need in New Jersey. Continued funding for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds is a huge deal in making sure communities have the affordable and safe access they deserve. I’m glad this legislation is there to help look after public health long-term and the health of our environment through more sustainable and resilient infrastructure,” said U.S. Representative Andy Kim (NJ-03).
“Contaminated drinking water threatens the health and safety of our children and families across our state — whether that’s elevated lead levels or forever chemicals known as PFAS. For years now, I’ve been fighting to get clean drinking water for Jersey families, to protect our local waters, and to claw more federal tax dollars back to Jersey from Washington. Now, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill I helped pass and get signed into law, I’m excited that we’re clawing back a new federal investment to Jersey to construct more water infrastructure, while helping to lower the local tax burden on our residents,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).
“Everyone should be able to trust the water that comes from their tap. Today's announcement brings us one step closer to that reality and builds on the progress we’re making to upgrade New Jersey’s water infrastructure, including by replacing toxic lead service lines and removing harmful PFAS contamination across the state,” Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) said. “As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee last Congress, I fought to include this funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so that families don’t have to worry about safe drinking water. I'm glad to see that law is continuing to deliver on the promise to improve our state's infrastructure, and I'll keep fighting to ensure that all our communities have access to safe water.”
“The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act continues to deliver for our communities with this announcement of over $157 million in funding for water infrastructure upgrades,” said Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “Working alongside House Democrats and the Biden Administration, we are making transformative investments in our cities and towns, including replacing lead pipes and in stormwater management systems. I will always fight to bring these critical resources back to the district to ensure we have a modern and resilient water infrastructure.”
“I fought to ensure President Biden’s infrastructure law included new funding to upgrade our aging sewers and drinking water pipes,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09). “Modernizing New Jersey’s outdated water infrastructure is the sort of smart investment we need, and I’m glad the federal government can help. With our water systems out of sight below the ground, it’s easy to take things like clean drinking water for granted. But critical investments like this $157 million for New Jersey’s crumbling infrastructure will keep our families healthy, preserve our natural resources and provide good jobs while boosting our economy.”
“I was proud to help New Jersey secure this $157 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund when I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). “Also, I helped provide $169 million to remove lead-contaminated water pipes and improve New Jersey’s water infrastructure in this law. In addition, I’ve worked with state and local officials to provide other resources to remove lead-contaminated water pipes in New Jersey. We must make sure all New Jersey residents have access to clean drinking water.”
“Aging water infrastructure and the substantial cost to update them are issues many mayors throughout New Jersey have raised with me. That is why I fought so hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver for New Jersey by bringing federal funding back to meet our needs. These programs will improve quality of life in our communities—through the mitigation of flood risks, replacement of lead pipes, modernization of wastewater systems, and treatment of PFAS—while keeping costs down for the state and municipalities. I appreciate the EPA’s work with us to protect clean water in New Jersey,” said U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ -11).
"One lead pipe that could affect the health of a child is one too many. I'm excited and grateful to see the infrastructure funding passed by Congress and signed by President Biden is coming to New Jersey to renew our drinking and wastewater infrastructure. I'm proud to have played a part in securing this necessary funding," said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water, and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for New Jersey is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water New Jersey Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions in additional resources in fiscal year 2024 for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in New Jersey
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $555 million into water infrastructure projects across the country protecting public health, preserving water resources and creating jobs.
Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission ("PVSC") recently closed on a $23 million loan with the NJ Water Bank, which includes critical BIL funding, to rehabilitate the Wallington Pump Station. While interim modifications have been made since its original construction in 1924, the basic structure and facility have remained unchanged for nearly sixty years. Several original design features are outdated and in need of upgrading to comply with current technological standards and practices. The project includes mechanical, structural, electrical, and security improvements. Some of the proposed work includes updating pumps, control system upgrades, and emergency generator relocation. Renovation of the Wallington Pump station will make it more reliable, safer, and less costly to maintain, while still preserving the historic structure of the building.
These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view more stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure storymap here. To see some additional projects see this Quarterly Report.
Background
The Drinking Water Revolving Funds and the Clean Water New Jersey Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent to a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including New Jersey-by- New Jersey allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA New Jersey Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water New Jersey Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water New Jersey Revolving Fund website.