EPA Adds Engineering Support to Water Technical Assistance Program
The initiative aims to provide increased access to disadvantaged communities.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Feb 22, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded its Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) program. The move aims to aid more communities—especially those disadvantaged—secure federal infrastructure funds as part of the distribution efforts of the $50 billion stemming from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
According to a release dated Feb. 22, the WaterTA program, which now offers engineering support, addresses the challenges faced by low-income and minority communities in accessing necessary funds for water infrastructure projects.
The initiative targets underserved communities that have historically struggled with issues such as financial constraints, limited expertise and geographic isolation. By providing free technical assistance—including project needs assessments and preliminary engineering reports—the EPA aims to bolster these communities.
“In low-income and black and brown communities across the country, lack of access to engineering services is a significant barrier to applying for and securing federal water infrastructure funding,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in a statement. “Providing access to these services through our WaterTA program will help break down this barrier and enable more communities to access the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented investments in America.”
The expanded services under the WaterTA program will assist communities in identifying water challenges, developing plans and preparing applications for State Revolving Funds (SRF), aiming to bridge the gap in safe water access. The EPA is collaborating with states, Tribes and local governments on this program.
Communities in need can apply for assistance through the WaterTA Request Form, ensuring that those who have never accessed SRF funding before or are not receiving similar support can benefit from this expanded service.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.