The EPA invited 12 applicants from across the country on July 19 to apply for financial assistance through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Of the 12 selected applicant projects, NACWA members comprise more than half of the invitees. The range of selected projects, like the diversity of issues facing water managers, run the gamut of critical improvement needs including stormwater management and groundwater replenishment. The WIFIA loan program is a federal program started in 2014, and this year is set to leverage over $1 billion in private capital to finance $5.1 billion in water infrastructure improvement.

This program represents another crucial tool for improving water infrastructure. The Trump Administration has signaled that it supports the WIFIA program, including a proposed $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2018 (FY18), which according to the EPA “should fund approximately $1 billion in loans.” NACWA has worked with Congress as it develops its FY18 appropriations bills to encourage a potentially higher level of funding.

The Association congratulates all NACWA members whose projects advanced to the next round, and look forward to the great results this program will help them achieve.