CWSRF Recovery Act Funding Webcast

SAVE THE DATE -- MAY 14, 2009, 2-4 PM EST for a webcast on State Revolving Fund Recovery Act funding for green and innovative projects

Did you know that stimulus money is available in your state for green projects that will help protect water resources? Approximately $800 million is available right now through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s Recovery Act appropriation to provide low-cost loans or grants for a variety of green projects, including green stormwater infrastructure and nonpoint source solutions, decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment, water and energy efficiency, and wetland restoration.

Join EPA on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 2-4 PM EST to learn more about how you can benefit from this funding opportunity. EPA will introduce the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs, describe what types of projects may be eligible under the Recovery Act’s Green Project Reserve, and how you can apply for funding for your projects.

This webcast is for anyone in the water quality community that would like to learn more about CWSRF Green Project Reserve funding. Please feel free to forward this notice to potentially interested individuals or organizations.

To learn more about this webcast, or to register and attend, please visit the following website:

https://www.eventbuilder.com/event_desc.asp?p_event=e7f4g7n2

Connections are limited, so if multiple individuals at your organization are interested in participating, please consider accessing the webcast from the same computer.

About the CWSRF: The Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs have been active in every state and Puerto Rico for over twenty years. In 2008, the CWSRF programs made over $5.8 billion in loans for wastewater, nonpoint source, and estuary projects. SRF borrowers have saved an average of 20% compared to conventional financing.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs received $4 billion dollars in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and will help create jobs by funding projects to improve and maintain water quality in communities across the country. 20% of ARRA money has been placed in a Green Project Reserve, and is specifically targeted towards green and alternative projects.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announces $84.8M for vital watershed projects

According to a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Recovery Act Assistance Will Help Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the USDA will be sending $84.8 million to state and local governments to improve water quality, increase water supply, decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

"President Obama is committed to improving water quality, creating more dependable water supplies and decreasing soil erosion and this funding will make a big difference in the lives of the people who live in these rural communities," Vilsack said.

Other major benefits include improved community safety and health, flood mitigation, sediment control, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat.

Click here for full text of the release.

EPA issues guidance for award of Water Planning Quality Management Grants through ARRA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a memo containing information, guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions on how the agency will award and administer Water Quality Management Planning Grants appropriated to the State and Tribal Assistance Grants through ARRA.

Click here to view the memo.

Secretary Salazar announces $260M in economic recovery investments to help California address long-term water supply challenges

According to a press release distributed April 15 by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary:

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, at a press conference with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California congressional leaders, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the Department of the Interior will invest $1 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in America’s water infrastructure to create jobs and get the economy moving again. Overall, the Department of the Interior will manage $3 billion in investments as part of the recovery plan signed by the President to jumpstart our economy, create or save jobs,
and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st Century.

Of the $1 billion that Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is investing in water projects across the country, $260 million will go to projects in California that will expand water supplies, repair aging water infrastructure, and mitigate the effects of a devastating drought the state is currently experiencing. An additional $135 million is available for grants for water reuse and recycling projects; California is emerging as a leader in the development of these projects and is expected to also significantly benefit from this funding.

“In the midst of one of the deepest economic crises in our history, Californians have been saddled with a drought that is putting tens of thousands of people out of work and devastating entire communities,” said Secretary Salazar. “President Obama’s economic recovery plan will not only create jobs on basic water infrastructure projects, but it will help address both the short and long-term water supply challenges the Golden State is facing. From boosting water supplies
and improving conservation to improving safety at our dams, these shovel-ready projects will make a real and immediate difference in the lives of farmers, businesses, Native American Tribes and communities across California.”

Click here to read the entire press release.