SEATTLE, WA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards $67 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to Washington and $26 million to Montana for water infrastructure improvements.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allocates more than $50 billion to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, which helps communities access clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, increase resilience, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, clean up pollution, and safeguard vital waterways. The grant marks the first significant distribution of water infrastructure funds due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. State allocations were previously announced.

“Everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water — full stop. That’s why I fought so hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will help replace every lead pipe in America in the next 10 years,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I’m proud this bill will deliver key resources to Washington state that won’t just help ensure that families in Washington can access healthy drinking water — they will also be put to good use preventing flooding, treating wastewater, and taking steps to prevent waterborne diseases to keep our families safe.” 

“Access to clean drinking water and reliable water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety, and economic growth of Montana communities,” said Senator Jon Tester. “I’m proud to have secured funding for water infrastructure improvements in our communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, so that folks across the Treasure State know they’ve got the water they need to take care of their families and power their small businesses. I look forward to working with EPA to make sure these funds get dispersed as soon as possible because Montanans can’t wait.”

Funding announced represents fiscal year 2022 awards for states that have submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of their plans for use of the funding.