DeLauro Announces Nearly $20 million in Recovery Funding for Clean Water Efforts

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced nearly $20 million for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for clean water efforts throughout the state, which includes $19.5 million for the state's Drinking Water State Revolving fund program and $485,000 for Water Quality Management Planning.

"Through these funds we will be able to address the water challenges we face in the state of Connecticut – from improving the quality of our drinking water and easing the effects of water pollution to helping to preserve ecologically important areas and safeguard them for future generations," said DeLauro.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program provides low interest loans for drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.

The goal of the water quality management planning (WQMP) is to determine the nature, extent, and causes of water pollution problems, and to develop plans to solve them. WQMP activities often include developing and revising water quality standards, monitoring, assessing waters for problems, and preparing and updating water quality management plans. States are also encouraged to use these funds for more innovative planning activities including developing plans to adapt to climate change, analyzing trends in water availability and use, and creating low-impact development programs.