The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Feb. 18 that it is providing more than $250 million in low-cost loans to support water infrastructure projects in Florida and Utah. The loans are the first EPA has announced under the current Trump administration, though both closed Jan. 16, records show.
A $147-million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan is set for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to help fund nine projects in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties estimated to collectively cost $300 million. The projects cover upgrades to a water treatment facility including new infrastructure to address PFAS in drinking water, as well as transmission mains and storage tank upgrades. The work will help improve system reliability and protect infrastructure against damage caused by saltwater intrusion, according to EPA.
“This collaboration enables the Authority to maintain the delivery of safe, reliable, potable water while effectively mitigating the risk of widespread disruptions during emergencies and disaster-related events,” said Greg Veliz, executive director of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, in a statement.
This is EPA’s second WIFIA loan to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Officials previously announced a $49-million loan to the agency in 2018 to help it replace a reverse osmosis facility, a pump station and about 12 miles of pipes.
WIFIA loans offer favorable terms for agency planning, designing and construction of water infrastructure projects. EPA officials say the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will save about $29.5 million over the life of the loan under WIFIA, compared to traditional financing options.
“I will always work with local, public and private partners to help EPA achieve its goal of carrying out our core mission of bringing clean air, land and water to all Americans,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement.
The second newly announced, $110-million WIFIA loan will go to northern Utah’s Weber Basin Water Conservancy District. The money will support the district’s $224-million District 4 and 5 Water Blocks project. The scope of work includes expansion of two water treatment plants, replacement of water storage tanks and construction of new infrastructure.
EPA estimates the conservancy district will save about $19 million by taking advantage of the WIFIA loan.
The WIFIA program is currently in its eighth round, totaling $7.5 billion. The program has announced more than $21 billion in financing since 2018, according to EPA.