Biden-Harris Administration Announces $348M in Low-Interest Funding to Protect Water Resources in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 26, 2024) – Today, at an event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz announced that the city will receive a state revolving fund loan of $348 million to upgrade aging water infrastructure that is essential to protecting local water bodies, and has been approved for an additional $42 million, if needed.
“Reliable wastewater treatment is a cornerstone of environmental health and economic opportunity in any community,” Pigott said. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris administration is investing in water to help cities like Cedar Rapids secure a clean water future that protects public health and nature, while powering local economies.”
This investment will enable Cedar Rapids to treat municipal wastewater, as well as industrial waste streams from local businesses and factories. In addition to supporting the community’s environmental health and economic goals, these upgrades will support future residential and industrial growth. They will also help the city address future nutrient reduction requirements and protect local waterways. This project is anticipated to create over 100 local jobs over the course of the estimated four-year construction period.
“This project has been a long time coming. We are excited to see our plan for improvements come to fruition and have the opportunity to stimulate our local economy in the process,” said Cedar Rapids Utilities Director Roy Hesemann.
“We are fortunate to have unique opportunities for major economic growth on the horizon. None of it would be possible without our water and wastewater infrastructure. The EPA and Iowa’s State Revolving Fund are another important part in connecting our community to needed infrastructure investments,” O’Donnell said.
Cedar Rapids anticipates breaking ground on the project and celebrating this major milestone with local partners and stakeholders on Nov. 1 of this year.
Background
The Biden-Harris administration and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion through EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. With this funding, EPA, states, tribes, and localities have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure. EPA is committed to ensuring that all communities, particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities, get their fair share of this federal water infrastructure investment. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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