EPA Announces $80 Million in Funding to Protect Waterways from Sewage Overflows

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $80 million through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. These grants will strengthen systems that safely capture and manage stormwater to help prevent contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting nearby waterways. The agency will provide funding from both fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to states, which will be awarded to communities across the country.

“Stormwater and sewage systems are critical for managing pollution to keep our nation’s waterways clean and support healthy people, economic growth, and thriving ecosystems,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “This $80 million investment will help states upgrade stormwater management systems to address the threat of aging and inadequate infrastructure.”

Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. It can collect various pollutants, including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment, and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.

Safely and effectively managing stormwater to reduce pollution before it reaches local waterways is essential. However, the cost to construct, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can strain wastewater systems and their customers, especially in small and financially distressed communities. The agency’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program will prioritize projects for small and/or financially distressed communities. Under the existing regulations, state grantees are not required to contribute cost shares for projects located in small and/or financially distressed communities.

Regional Allotments for Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026

State Entity  FY25 Allotment   FY26  Allotment  
      
Region 1  $   3,324,000   $  3,323,000  
Connecticut  $      768,000   $      768,000  
Maine  $      234,000   $      234,000  
Massachusetts  $   1,464,000   $   1,463,000  
New Hampshire  $      324,000   $      324,000  
Rhode Island  $      302,000   $      302,000  
Vermont  $      232,000   $      232,000  
      
Region 2  $   3,966,000   $  3,969,000  
New Jersey  $   1,256,000   $   1,255,000  
New York  $   2,231,000   $   2,232,000  
Puerto Rico  $      276,000   $      279,000  
Virgin Islands  $      203,000   $      203,000  
      
Region 3  $   7,416,000  $   7,415,000 
Delaware  $      203,000   $      203,000  
District of Columbia  $      393,000   $      391,000  
Maryland  $      725,000   $      725,000  
Pennsylvania  $   1,365,000   $   1,366,000  
Virginia  $   4,097,000   $   4,097,000  
West Virginia  $      633,000   $      633,000  
      
Region 4  $   6,567,000  $   6,563,000 
Alabama  $      439,000   $      439,000  
Florida  $   2,409,000   $   2,408,000  
Georgia  $   1,043,000   $   1,041,000  
Kentucky  $      511,000   $      511,000  
Mississippi  $      280,000   $      280,000  
North Carolina  $   1,077,000   $   1,077,000  
South Carolina  $      349,000   $      348,000  
Tennessee  $      459,000   $      459,000  
      
Region 5  $   4,753,000  $   4,752,000 
Illinois  $      871,000   $      871,000  
Indiana  $      813,000   $      813,000  
Michigan  $   1,210,000   $   1,209,000  
Minnesota  $      345,000   $      345,000  
Ohio  $      931,000   $      931,000  
Wisconsin  $      583,000   $      583,000  
      
Region 6  $   3,373,000  $   3,372,000 
Arkansas  $      419,000   $      419,000  
Louisiana  $      613,000   $      614,000  
New Mexico  $      325,000   $      325,000  
Oklahoma  $      269,000   $      268,000  
Texas  $   1,747,000   $   1,746,000  
      
Region 7  $   1,677,000   $  1,674,000  
Iowa  $      442,000   $      441,000  
Kansas  $      234,000   $      233,000  
Missouri  $      797,000   $      797,000  
Nebraska  $      204,000   $      203,000  
      
Region 8  $   1,925,000   $  1,924,000  
Colorado  $      781,000   $      780,000  
Montana  $      203,000   $      203,000  
North Dakota  $      203,000   $      203,000  
South Dakota  $      203,000   $      203,000  
Utah  $      332,000   $      332,000  
Wyoming  $      203,000  $      203,000 
      
Region 9  $   5,666,000   $  5,674,000  
American Samoa  $      399,000   $      401,000  
Arizona  $      415,000   $      414,000  
California  $   3,834,000   $   3,834,000  
Guam  $      281,000   $      283,000  
Hawaii  $      238,000   $      241,000  
Nevada  $      203,000   $      204,000  
Northern Marianas  $      296,000   $      297,000  
      
Region 10  $   1,923,000   $  1,924,000  
Alaska  $      203,000   $      204,000  
Idaho  $      203,000   $      203,000  
Oregon  $      572,000   $      572,000  
Washington  $      945,000   $      945,000