Murkowski, Sullivan applaud $45 Million investment in Alaska’s water and wastewater infrastructure

On Friday, February 23, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan commended the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of $45,509,000 for drinking water, clean water, and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Alaska.

The announcement is part of the investments being made to bolster the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. According to EPA, “Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.”

The EPA received the funding to make these awards, which go to state-run programs, from 2021’s bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has invested over $182 million into water infrastructure projects across Alaska. To date, Alaska has received over $7.2 billion in infrastructure investments from the law, with over 1,600 specific projects identified for funding.

“Thanks to this award, more Alaskans will have access to clean drinking water and upgraded wastewater facilities. This is truly an investment in Alaska’s public health, and another example of how our bipartisan infrastructure law continues to transform rural communities across Alaska,” Senator Murkowski said. “I believe all Alaskans should have access to safe drinking water and a flush toilet—and that’s exactly why I ensured the bipartisan infrastructure law featured significant funding for the water infrastructure of underserved and unserved communities in our state that need support the most.”

“Alaska is a resource-rich, but infrastructure-poor state, and this is certainly the case with our water systems.” Senator Sullivan said. “Dozens of communities in Alaska don’t have access to clean running water or flush toilets—these are American citizens living in the 21st century. This is just unacceptable.” The Senator, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works committee, says he has focused tirelessly on getting federal resources to these communities.

“Our work through the committee to significantly plus-up these programs, along with provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure law, are delivering historic investments for Alaska’s water infrastructure. These investments will fund vital infrastructure projects across our great state and improve the health and well-being of countless Alaskans.”