Reform State Revolving Fund Policies to Advance Equity and Resilience
At EPIC, we aim to eliminate disparities in water infrastructure investments. We conduct research, develop strategies, and work with states to reform their SRF policies to be more equitable by increasing the number of disadvantaged communities—particularly communities of color—that receive SRFs. Additionally, we aim to increase SRF investments in nature-based infrastructure to maximize the social, environmental, and economic benefits.
The Opportunity
Disparities in drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management in the United States stem from uneven investment in infrastructure. Water systems rely on local fees to fund infrastructure. Those serving low-income communities tend to have less revenue and access to capital to finance projects. Federal financial assistance can help utilities invest in infrastructure to reduce these inequalities. The nearly $44 billion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJJA) for the State Revolving Funds (SRFs)—the largest source of intergovernmental aid for water systems— creates an unprecedented opportunity to invest in water infrastructure over the next five years.
The Need
We need to fund and finance water infrastructure to close the gap in access to safe, reliable, and affordable water services. State Revolving Funds provide an important source of capital. However, many communities face numerous barriers to accessing SRFs. Better state-level policies and practices can reduce these barriers. Policy reform is necessary to ensure SRF assistance is distributed to advance equity and resilience.
Our Work in Action
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Revising State Policies
Access to State Revolving Funds depends on state decisions about eligibility, project ranking criteria, and the provision of grants. EPIC analyses and provides public comments on these decisions
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State SRF Advocates Forum
EPIC co-convenes the State SRF Advocates Forum for those engaged in SRF policies to share lessons and synergize about how to enhance equity and climate resilience.
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Green Infrastructure
EPIC helps to ensure that communities implement GI equitably and at a wide scale, realizing the full benefits of GI in order to build pathways for community transformation that deliver on true sustainability.
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Tracking water infrastructure funding through Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
This dashboard was created to better understand and track how states intend to award funds using their annual allotments from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRFs).
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Tracking Public Engagement
EPIC and our partners are tracking public engagement on State Revolving Funds (SRFs). Specifically, EPIC is tracking what advocates recommend regarding the policies that dictate how a state will allocate SRF assistance and the projects that states intend to finance with SRFs.
Publications
Blogs
