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EPA investing in rural water infrastructure
The EPA is investing $50 billion in rural water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan tells Brownfield the investment will improve management of wastewater, storm water and drinking water.
“That is so critical,” he said. “Especially for our rural communities that don’t have the tax space to do these upgrades.”
Regan said the rural infrastructure investments will also spur economic development.
“Every business has conversations with the economic developers,” he said. “And they want to know, can you hand our wastewater, can you provide good quality drinking water – and ‘oh by the way’ – how are you dealing with the flooding that we’re seeing from climate change.”
Regan and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are visiting with farmers, ag leaders, and CEOs across the country as part of the Biden administration’s rural tour to walk them through the USDA – EPA partnership.
While at a stop in North Carolina, he said the EPA is working with USDA on implementing their goals alongside USDA’s rural broadband investments.
“These are the types of investments we want to couple together to make sure that our rural communities are getting their fair share,” Regan said.
Regan said the EPA is also making $50 million available for ‘technical assistance’ to help rural communities be more competitive as they apply for available funding.
