WD News: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the approval of a $23 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund Puerto Rico water infrastructure projects in Caguas, Coamo, Jayuya, Naranjito, and Orocovis.
“When water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health and the environment. This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment will improve the lives of Puerto Rico communities facing major water challenges,” said Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator at EPA.
Anais Vega Rodríguez, Secretary for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources stated, “This historic EPA grant is an important additional step to improve the quality of our waters by allowing the management of a series of polluting sources and renewing deteriorated infrastructure.”
Puerto Rico will receive $23,214,000 to use on the planning, design, and construction of eligible water quality improvement and protection projects in the five targeted municipalities. After consultation, the EPA and the government of Puerto Rico have identified specific projects which are vital to protect and improve water quality, aquatic life, recreation, and natural habitat. The EPA-approved projects are for the design and construction of sanitary sewer systems in four municipalities, eliminating many private septic systems and sewer discharge around the island. A fifth project will eliminate a Caguas wastewater treatment facility that will turn into a wastewater pump station, thereby eliminating a major discharge point.
Source: EPA
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