Funding
Idaho faces $1 billion water infrastructure challenge as federal cuts loom
A University of Idaho study finds the state’s water and wastewater systems need more than $1 billion in upgrades, with over half of treatment plants violating the Clean Water Act in 2023. Small towns like McCammon face steep costs to replace aging infrastructure, while looming federal cuts to EPA revolving funds threaten to worsen the crisis.
Watertown, N.Y., faces $61 million water system upgrade as funding gap threatens higher rates
Watertown, New York, is struggling to fund a $61 million water system upgrade. Officials warn water rates may rise if key grants aren’t secured.
$337 million granted to N.C. to repair Helene infrastructure damage
Nearly a year after Category 4 Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout North Carolina, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided a total of $337 million to assist in recovery efforts. Of this amount, $276 million is designated for bolstering water infrastructure resilience.
Minnesota announces over $236 million in funding for water infrastructure across state
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) has unveiled over $236.4 million in loans and grants aimed at enhancing wastewater and drinking water facilities across 18 cities in the state.
Austin approves $260 million for water funding despite environmental concerns
During the recent Austin City Council meeting, $260 million in funding for the Austin water utility was approved despite strong community opposition. Critics expressed concerns over the lack of transparency regarding specific funded projects, stating that the provided information was too vague and didn't align with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Governor Hochul announces record $3.4 billion for New York water infrastructure
On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a historical investment of $3.4 billion in water infrastructure throughout the state. The investment represents a 55% increase compared to the previous year.
38% rate hike sought to cover $65 million in water, sewer upgrades for Wheeling, W. Va.
The city of Wheeling, W. Va., has proposed a 38% rate increase to cover more than $65 million in prioritized water and sewer system improvements, The Intelligencer reported. Wheeling city officials and members of the Public Utilities Committee gathered last week to discuss the most crucial wastewater and sanitary sewer system projects needed for the community.
$204 million in funding granted for North Carolina water, wastewater upgrades
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has announced $204 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the state.
Wilsonville, Ore., proposes sewer, stormwater rate increases to fund $240 million upgrades
Wilsonville is reviewing sewer and stormwater rates to fund $240 million in long-term infrastructure projects, with public hearings planned ahead of a fall adoption vote.
Iowa representatives introduce bipartisan bill to expand lead pipe replacement
Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring federal funding for lead pipe replacement reaches communities in need, according to Western Iowa Today.
$204 million approved for North Carolina water infrastructure projects
Over $204 million in funding for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects was approved this week by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Dept. of Environmental Quality. The funding will be allocated for 48 projects across 27 counties.
New Mexico cities push to fast-track stalled water, sewer funding approvals
New Mexico cities are calling for reforms to speed up water and sewer infrastructure funding approvals, citing costly delays and project backlogs affecting communities statewide.
Tyler, Texas, approves $25.6 million utility overhaul for downtown core
Tyler City Council and Smith County approve $25.6 million downtown infrastructure overhaul including water, sewer, and street upgrades. Construction starts fall 2025.
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.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- California invests $590 million to boost water reliability, upgrade sewer systems statewide
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs