Federal Water Infrastructure Financing: Economic Stimulus Packages and Other Issues under a New Administration

Water infrastructure is a well-recognized asset that protects public health and water resources. Well-maintained water infrastructure also contributes substantially to every citizen's welfare and to national prosperity. However, funding and investment are required to properly maintain these assets. Coupled with the need for water infrastructure investment is the fact that the United States is in a severe economic recession. For over twenty years the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has successfully provided financing for wastewater quality needs through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The Obama Administration and Congress have recognized the success of the CWSRF program by channeling an unprecedented level of funding through it via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The objective of this manuscript is to provide up-to-date information on the CWSRF program and ARRA funding, specific ARRA requirements and status of implementation, and the possible future for wastewater infrastructure financing efforts.