$6.5 Million to Reduce Water Pollution in Delaware

WASHINGTON, DC – Delaware will receive $6.5 million to reduce water pollution, Senators Joe Biden and Tom Carper and Representative Mike Castle announced today. Awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the grant will fund water pollution control projects such as those in the towns of Millsboro, Harrington and Bridgeville. “Clean, safe water is essential to the health of our communities and our state’s economy. This funding will go a long toward improving the quality of water that comes out of our faucets and will protect the water that flows in our streams, rivers, lakes and bays,” said Biden. “These funds mark a continuing commitment to Delaware’s waters,” said Carper, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which authorized the Water Investment Act of 2002. “This grant shows that the federal government is committed to helping states meet this important need.” The Water Investment Act of 2002 (S. 1961) authorized $20 billion for clean water projects, such as wastewater treatment plants, and $15 billion for safe drinking water projects, such as drinking water supply systems. The money supports state and local efforts to provide clean drinking water, manage storm water runoff and treat sewage. “As Congress weighs its many competing budget priorities, I am pleased to have supported continued funding for this clean water program because it is so essential to keeping our drinking water both free of pollution and affordable for Delaware residents,” said Congressman Castle. The EPA grant, which was matched with $1.3 million from the state, supports the state’s Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund that provides low-interest loans for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities, non-point source and estuary projects, and other water quality management activities. Projects for wastewater treatment facilities include planning, design and construction of new facilities and improvements to existing treatment plants, sewers and collection lines. Nonpoint source and estuary projects include septic tank rehabilitation and construction of structures and equipment used for animal waste storage, and other agricultural best management practices. State funds have already been allocated out of the 21st Century fund.