Congresswoman Beatty Announces Over $210 Million in Water Infrastructure Upgrades For Ohio

Columbus, OH — Yesterday, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) announced over $210 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for upgrades to Ohio's drinking water and clean water infrastructure. This funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is from the $50 billion-plus investment in water infrastructure upgrades from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment is the largest of its kind in American history. The funding will support crucial water infrastructure, safeguarding public health and preserving treasured water bodies throughout the state. Almost half of this funding will be offered as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring that underserved communities in need of water infrastructure investments are prioritized.

"Access to clean water is a human right, and our municipalities must receive the necessary support to continue providing this vital service to our communities. That's why I'm so pleased to announce this $209 million investment into Ohio’s water infrastructure," said Rep. Joyce Beatty. "Thanks to the resources we've provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our communities will be better prepared to repair and replace pipes, ensuring our water remains safe to drink for years to come."  

“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. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA 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.” 

“Too many communities struggle to keep up with the costs of maintaining the pipes and pumps and systems to treat drinking water, convey wastewater and manage stormwater, let alone updating them,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. In referring to the announcement, Shore described it as “yet another financial boost for our state and local partners working to protect human health and the environment as they manage our water resources and strive to improve quality of life.”  

The funding EPA announced for Ohio is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. 

Yesterday’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions in additional resources in fiscal year 2024 for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.    

For inquiries, please contact Cassandra Johnson at Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

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