Reform State Revolving Fund Policies to Improve Access to Durable Water Infrastructure
At EPIC, we aim to expand access to water infrastructure investments. We conduct research, develop strategies, and work with states to reform their SRF policies to ensure they continue to support affordable projects and increase the number of under-resourced communities that receive SRFs. Additionally, we aim to increase SRF investments in projects that deliver public health, economic, and environmental while increasing resilience to financial stresses and external challenges.
The Opportunity
Disparities in drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management in the United States stem from uneven investment in infrastructure. Water systems rely on local fees to fund infrastructure. Those serving low-income communities and those with smaller populations tend to have less revenue and access to capital to finance projects. Federal financial assistance can help utilities invest in infrastructure to reduce these inequalities. The nearly $44 billion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJJA) for the State Revolving Funds (SRFs)—the largest source of intergovernmental aid for water systems— creates a tremendous opportunity to invest in water infrastructure .
The Need
We need to fund and finance water infrastructure to close the gap in access to safe, reliable, and affordable water services. State Revolving Funds provide an important source of capital. However, many communities face numerous barriers to accessing SRFs. Better state-level policies and practices can reduce these barriers. Changes are necessary to ensure SRF assistance is distributed in a manner that allows more people to have access to durable water systems.
Our Work in Action
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Revising State Policies
Access to State Revolving Funds depends on state decisions about eligibility, project ranking criteria, and the provision of grants. EPIC analyzes and provides public comments on these decisions.
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State SRF Advocates Forum
EPIC co-convenes the State SRF Advocates Forum for those engaged in SRF policies to provide training and share lessons about advancing access to durable water infrastructure for all.
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Green Stormwater Infrastructure
EPIC helps communities identify and implement GSI options that help them realize the full benefits of GSI and build pathways for community transformation through infrastructure improvement.
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Tracking Public Engagement
EPIC and our partners are tracking public engagement on State Revolving Funds. Specifically, EPIC is tracking what stakeholders recommend regarding the policies that dictate how a state will allocate SRF assistance and the projects that states intend to finance with SRFs.
Insights
