Funding
Texas approves $20 billion for water infrastructure; final decision up to voters
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a $20 billion infrastructure package to modernize Texas’ water systems and secure future supplies. The plan includes immediate upgrades and a 20-year funding proposal.
Washington County, Utah proposes $1.3 billion water reuse project
Utah’s Washington County Water Conservation District has proposed a $1.3 billion water reuse project to aid the state’s rapid growth, Fox 13 News reported. The proposed water reuse project will involve constructing more than 60 miles of pipeline, three new storage reservoirs, and deploying new wastewater treatment technology.
Huntsville, Ala., approves sewer rate hike to fund $150 million system upgrade
The City of Huntsville has approved its first sewer rate increase in 20 years to support a $150 million investment in aging sewer infrastructure and improvements at five wastewater treatment facilities.
$170 million sewer project in Eastham, Mass. approved after vote
Voters in the city of Eastham, Massachusetts voters have approved Phase 1 of a $170 million Targeted Watershed Management Plan following a meeting earlier this week, the Cape Cod Times reported. The plan encompasses the establishment of a wastewater treatment facility, as well as design, engineering and associated equipment.
Wisconsin approves $732 million increase in bonding authority for water infrastructure
According to Wisconsin Watch, the state's budget committee last week voted unanimously to increase the bonding authority of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program and the Clean Water Fund Program by $732 million. The decision could pave the way for additional funding for wastewater treatment infrastructure projects throughout Wisconsin communities.
Trump decision may cut 90% of federal funding for W. Va. water and sewer projects
A recent proposal from the Trump administration could cut federal funding for clean and drinking water programs in West Virginia by 89%, the Mountain State Spotlight reported. For fiscal year 2025, the EPA has earmarked an initial $35.6 million for West Virginia through the two programs. But under the proposed cut, the state’s annual funds for the programs could fall to under $4 million.
Texas Legislature advances major water bill, eyes $1 billion in infrastructure funding
Texas lawmakers have approved legislation that could unlock $1 billion annually for water infrastructure and groundwater research, pending voter approval this November. The bill also marks the state’s first major investment in local aquifer science.
Huntsville, Ala., plans sewer rate hike to cover $150 million in upgrades
According to Fox54 News, the City of Huntsville, Ala., is proposing a sewer rate increase to help pay for $150 million in upgrades to its aging wastewater system. The rate increase would be the first in two decades.
$227 million Garnet Valley water project advances, set to create 73,000 jobs in Nevada
SNWA approved $227 million in contracts for the Garnet Valley water and wastewater system, designed to deliver 20 million gallons per day to the Apex Industrial Complex.
Wisconsin Senate passes lead pipes bill, allowing private water utility access to federal funding
According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Republican members of the state's Senate have narrowly passed a bill that will grant access to federal funds to the state's only private water utility, Superior Water, Light & Power Company. The approval would make the company eligible for loans under Wisconsin's Safe Drinking Water Loan Program for lead pipe replacement projects.
Kentucky American Water seeks rate increase to support $212 million infrastructure investment
Kentucky American Water has filed a request with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) for new rates, reflecting more than $212 million in system investments. Among the investments included in the request are the replacement of 30 miles of aging water pipelines.
Newsom seeks to fast-track Delta Conveyance Project to bolster California water system
Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project to modernize California’s State Water Project and address long-term water supply challenges.
Work paused on NYC’s massive tunnel repair as drought triggers contract overhaul
The $2 billion effort to fix a leak in New York City’s Delaware Aqueduct, which supplies water to millions, is now expected to finish after 2027 due to drought-related delays and contract revisions.
Aqua Pennsylvania to install PFAS treatment, replace over 200 lead lines in multiple counties
Aqua Pennsylvania will install PFAS treatment systems and replace over 200 lead service lines across several counties as part of its ongoing water quality upgrades, with completion expected by 2026.
Los Osos, Calif., water pipeline project still on hold as Army Corps delays approval
A long-awaited pipeline project to connect Los Osos, Calif., to the state water system remains stalled as the Army Corps of Engineers has yet to approve funding. Local officials and Congressman Salud Carbajal are pressing for action.
Clock ticking on Canandaigua, N.Y., plan to remove toxic chemicals from water
Senator Schumer is urging the EPA to end delays and approve $1.75 million in funding for Canandaigua, N.Y.'s drinking water upgrade. The project, vital for 40,000 residents in Ontario and Wayne counties, targets harmful DBP chemicals linked to cancer and organ damage.
EPA gives $49 million boost to rural, small and tribal wastewater projects
The EPA has awarded $49 million to help rural, small and tribal communities upgrade wastewater infrastructure and improve Clean Water Act compliance. The funding supports technical assistance programs that help communities manage aging systems and access financing.
PENNVEST approves nearly $243 million for statewide water infrastructure projects
Pennsylvania officials on Wednesday announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved almost $243 million in grants and loans for 32 drinking water and wastewater projects in 23 Pennsylvania counties.
Editor’s Log: Miles and miles to go
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines the persistent challenges facing major cities like Chicago in managing stormwater and sewer infrastructure, highlighting why even billions in federal funding still leave critical gaps.
Arkansas commits $575 million to strengthen statewide water, sewer infrastructure
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs legislation to invest $575 million in Arkansas water and wastewater infrastructure, supporting rural systems and long-term funding through 2043.
Albany, N.Y., approves $175 million for statewide water, sewer upgrades
New York State approves over $175 million in water and sewer infrastructure funding for projects across the state, supporting community upgrades, job creation, and long-term system improvements.
Massachusetts awards $1.24 billion for water, wastewater infrastructure projects
Massachusetts awarded $1.24 billion in loans and grants to fund 67 water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the state, supporting clean water, PFAS remediation, and energy efficiency improvements.
$60 million sewer project approved to improve Cape Cod water quality
According to Cape Cod Times, $60 million has been approved for a sewer project to improve water quality in the Great Pond area of Falmouth, Mass. Great Pond is known as one of the town’s most polluted water bodies.
Columbus, Ohio, commits $1 billion to replace aging lead pipes by 2037
Columbus is investing $1 billion to replace up to 50,000 lead and galvanized water service lines by 2037, aiming to reduce long-term exposure risks and protect public health.
MTA advances $7.7 billion East Harlem subway tunnel project with $186 million oversight contract
The MTA has approved a $186.6 million contract with AECOM-HNTB to oversee tunneling and systems work for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway extension, advancing one of New York’s largest underground infrastructure projects into East Harlem.
Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is calling on the Trump administration to release $50 million in delayed federal funds for lead pipe replacement, warning that the holdup threatens public health and critical infrastructure work.
Private water utility in Superior, Wis., creates snag for lead pipe replacement plans
Former President Biden pledged $1 billion for lead pipe replacement funding across the state of Wisconsin during a visit last year. But, according to Wisconsin Public Radio, the city of Superior's status as a privately-owned water utility has prevented it from accessing federal funds to complete the work.
$340 million in funding approved for N.Y. water infrastructure projects
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has approved $340 million in funding for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects.
Atlanta mayor unveils 20-year water overhaul plan after series of major main breaks
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has unveiled a sweeping, multibillion-dollar initiative to overhaul the city’s deteriorating water system over the next two decades.
Fairfield, Conn., to begin $31 million East Trunk sewer line replacement in May
A long-planned replacement of the East Trunk sewer line is set to begin in May 2025, with construction expected to last about 18 months. The project will replace aging sewer infrastructure to improve wastewater system reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent future disruptions.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Body retrieved day after fatal trench collapse at Bakersfield, Calif., job site
- $227 million Garnet Valley water project advances, set to create 73,000 jobs in Nevada
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish