USVI To Receive $16.5 Million in Water Infrastructure Investment From EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a significant investment in the territory's water infrastructure, aligning with President Joe Biden's Investing in America agenda, according to a press release.

A total of $50 billion nationwide has been allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the U.S. Virgin Islands set to receive $16.5 million of that sum. The EPA notes that almost half of the total amount of funding will be made available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, in an effort to reach communities which have been historically marginalized – many of which are most in need of upgrades and improvements to their water infrastructure.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, who noted that the $50 billion was the largest water infrastructure investment in the nation’s history. The funding, Mr. Regan anticipates, “will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”

Regional administrator Lisa Garcia welcomed the USVI’s share of the funding. “This is a critical moment in time to upgrade water infrastructure in U.S. Virgin Islands and for making these vital improvements, particularly in communities that need it most," she said.