Feds earmark significant funding to upgrade Utah water infrastructure

Utah received a major financial boost recently when the federal government announced it has earmarked significant funding for upgrades to the state’s drinking water and clean water infrastructure. According to a news release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Utah is due $43,861,000, which is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the national Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.

“This funding represents a significant opportunity to support Utah’s interests in improving our water resilience and security,” Utah Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Kim Shelley said in the release. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to make multigenerational investments in water infrastructure that will protect and improve public health, provide jobs and support economic development.”

Approximately half of the funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure, according to Shelley.

“Over the past three years, EPA has invested nearly $175 million for new and upgraded wastewater and drinking water services in Utah communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said K.C. Becker, EPA regional administrator. “These projects are building new treatment and delivery systems, creating jobs and securing healthy watersheds and safe drinking water across the state.”

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $175 million into water infrastructure projects across Utah, the EPA said. The funds are provided to state revolving funds managed by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, which identifies priority projects across the state.