Engineering Support Added to Water Technical Assistance Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently enhanced its Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) program to provide more support to communities, particularly those that are disadvantaged. This initiative aims to help these communities secure federal infrastructure funds, including the billion allocated under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The WaterTA program now includes engineering support to address the difficulties low-income and minority communities face in accessing funds for water infrastructure projects. Historically, these communities have struggled with financial constraints, limited expertise, and geographic isolation. By offering free technical assistance, such as project needs assessments and preliminary engineering reports, the EPA seeks to strengthen these communities.

EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox stated, “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.” Providing access to these services through the WaterTA program is expected to break down this barrier and enable more communities to benefit from the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in America.

The expanded WaterTA program services will assist communities in identifying water challenges, developing plans, and preparing applications for State Revolving Funds (SRF) to improve access to safe water. The EPA is working in collaboration with states, Tribes, and local governments on this program.

Communities in need can apply for assistance through the WaterTA Request Form to ensure that those who have not previously accessed SRF funding or are not receiving similar support can take advantage of this expanded service. The goal is to provide technical help to underserved communities to ensure they can benefit from federal resources for essential water infrastructure projects.