EPA Loans $550M to Splash Up State Water Systems
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is offering up to $550 million in loans to help state groups improve water systems through the SWIFIA program. If you’re part of a state infrastructure financing authority, you can apply starting December 29, 2025, to get credit assistance for big water projects. This funding could support over $1 billion in upgrades, making water cleaner and safer for everyone!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA offers $550M to fund water projects
The EPA estimates it may lend approximately $550,000,000 to state infrastructure financing authorities to help finance over $1,000,000,000 in water infrastructure investment. This funding aims to accelerate large water projects around the country.
Only state financing authorities can apply
Only a state infrastructure financing authority is eligible to apply for SWIFIA credit assistance. A state infrastructure financing authority is defined by statute as the state entity established or designated by the governor to carry out certain water financing responsibilities.
Minimum $20M projects; 49% max help
To qualify, a SWIFIA project must have eligible project costs reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $20,000,000. The maximum SWIFIA credit assistance to a state infrastructure financing authority is 49 percent of estimated eligible total project costs.
Priority for projects improving water quality
EPA is prioritizing projects that protect human health and the environment, including improving water quality, supporting drinking water compliance, reducing stormwater runoff, modernizing aging infrastructure, addressing PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and removing lead service lines.
LOIs accepted on rolling basis; review from Dec 29, 2025
Letters of Interest (LOIs) may be submitted on a rolling basis and LOIs submitted on or after December 29, 2025 will be evaluated using the scoring criteria in this NOFA. There is no cost to submit an LOI.
Project readiness: construction contracting within 90 days
One selection criterion requires that the obligor demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for construction can commence not later than 90 days after the date a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under WIFIA.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21446, Notice of Funding Availability for Credit Assistance Under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program
The EPA is opening the door for water projects to get big loans—about $6.5 billion—to help fix and improve water systems across the U.S. If you’re planning a water infrastructure project, you can send your interest starting December 29, 2025, to apply for this funding. This is a huge chance to boost water projects with low-cost credit and make a splash in your community!
Next: 2025-21448, Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability
The EPA just shared new Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for big projects like bridge replacements and nuclear plant renewals. These reports help communities and agencies understand how projects might affect the environment before moving forward. If you’re involved or interested, watch for comment deadlines early next year and stay tuned for updates that could impact local jobs and budgets.