U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $69,859,000 for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to finance wastewater and drinking water infrastructure improvements throughout the state. Congress appropriates funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Safe Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water Safe Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which support federal-state partnerships for a variety of clean water infrastructure projects.

“Upgrading our water infrastructure is critical to the long-term health of our communities and our economy,” said Sen. Menendez. “These Federal investments are essential to help finance low-interest loans in our communities to upgrade our water infrastructure, fight pollution, create jobs and provide New Jerseyans with safe and healthy drinking water.”

“Federal investment in New Jersey’s water infrastructure is critical to protecting public health and our environment, creating jobs, and helping boost our region’s economy,” said Sen. Booker. “Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right we must protect for our children and our families. I remain committed to supporting EPA programs like the State Revolving Fund which allows New Jersey to utilize federal dollars to upgrade aging drinking and wastewater infrastructure.”

The Environmental Protection Agency made the following grant awards:

$54,179,000 for the New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection NJ Clean Water SRF Capitalization Grant

This federal capitalization grant provides funds for New Jersey's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program which provides low interest financing to municipalities, counties and utility authorities for costs associated with the planning, design, and construction of eligible water quality improvement and protection projects throughout the State of New Jersey. The objectives are to establish and manage an effective, self-sustaining comprehensive state water pollution control revolving fund program so as to improve and protect water quality and public health.

$15,680,000 for the New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection FFY 2017 NJ DWSRF Capitalization Grant

This federal grant is to continue the capitalization of the New Jersey DWSRF program, which provides a long-term source of financing for the construction of infrastructure projects and for the administration of a range of activities including small community technical assistance, source water protection, capacity development and operator certification. These practices will protect human health by reducing exposure to contaminants in drinking water, in fish and shellfish, and in recreational waters.

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