April 27, 2009

Markell Announces $19.5 Million Recovery Act Funds for Water Infrastructure Projects in Delaware to Boost Economy, Create Jobs and Protect Public Health

WILMINGTON -- In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for the people in the State of Delaware, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $19.5 million to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.

“This funding will help our economy by getting Delawareans back to work and help ensure Delawareans continue to have clean, quality water coming out of their taps” according to Delaware Governor Jack Markell.

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, who is Delaware’s stimulus czar, “the stimulus is giving us an incredible opportunity to help our schools, roads, and even water quality. These funds also come with an incredible responsibility to be transparent and accountable, and we will come down hard on those who don’t comply”

The Recovery Act funds will go to the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program provides low-interest loans for drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities. An unprecedented $2 billion dollars will be awarded to fund drinking water infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low-interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.

“Delaware now has the ‘green light’ to fund projects that will protect public health, upgrade infrastructure, and invigorate local economies across the state. This financing is needed for communities to continue to receive safe drinking water,” said William C. Early, acting administrator of EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

Since the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program began in 1997, EPA has awarded more than $8 billion in grants, which states have turned into $15 billion of financial assistance to fund drinking water projects. The revolving nature of the program ensures drinking water projects will be funded for generations to come.