$16.5 Million Boost for USVI Water Infrastructure Courtesy of EPA

The U.S. Virgin Islands are poised for a significant enhancement of their water infrastructure, thanks to a generous allocation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of President Joe Biden’s ambitious Investing in America initiative. This move is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all communities.

Under the auspices of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a sweeping $50 billion has been earmarked for nationwide water infrastructure improvements. The U.S. Virgin Islands stand to benefit from a substantial $16.5 million of this funding. The EPA has designed nearly half of these funds to be accessible as either grants or loans that don’t require repayment, targeting those communities historically left behind and most in need of modernizing their water systems.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan hailed this allocation as “the largest water infrastructure investment in our nation’s history,” underscoring the transformative potential of these funds. “Through this unprecedented investment, communities across the country, including those in the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be empowered to secure safer drinking water and revamp their clean water infrastructure, safeguarding public health for generations,” Regan remarked.

Lisa Garcia, the EPA’s regional administrator, underscored the significance of this investment for the U.S. Virgin Islands. She highlighted the timely nature of this funding in addressing the critical need for upgrades in water infrastructure, particularly in those areas most in need.

The investment earmarked for the USVI is part of a broader $5.8 billion initiative through the EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), which are pivotal in the agency’s water investment strategy. These funds are set to support the territory’s efforts in managing low-interest loan programs that tackle paramount challenges. Specifically, $2.6 billion is allocated for the Clean Water SRF to enhance wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, with an additional $3.2 billion directed towards the Drinking Water SRF for improvements in drinking water systems.

Since the inception of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022, over $102 million has been funneled into various water infrastructure projects within the U.S. Virgin Islands. This strategic investment not only aims to fortify public health and preserve vital water resources but also to spur job creation, marking a milestone in the territory’s ongoing efforts to build a sustainable and resilient future.