Submitted by United States Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
WASHINGTON (Feb. 20, 2024) – United States Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant Louisiana $12,400,000.00 from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for Louisiana’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for fiscal year 2024 to upgrade drinking water and clean water infrastructure.
“Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for every Louisianan is essential,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This investment in Louisiana’s water infrastructure will boost economic opportunities and make our state a place where families want to stay and grow.”
| Award | Recipient | Project Description |
| $6,600,000.00 | Milton Water System | This federal funding will support efforts to construct a two water treatment plant. It will consist of installation of three water wells each designed to produce approximately 1000 gallon per minute (gpm), and construction of a new 2 million gallon per day (mgd) water treatment plant consisting of pressure filters, two 500,000 gallon ground storage tanks, high service pumps, a backwash settling basin, administrative and operation buildings and a 500 kilo-watt generator. |
| $3,500,000.00 | Bayou Liberty Water Association | This federal funding will go towards the construction of a new water well capable of producing 500 gpm approximately 1,900 feet in depth, installation of two 10,000 gallon hydro pneumatic tanks, new chlorine gas disinfection equipment and enclosure, associated site work, and miscellaneous mechanical and electrical components. |
| $2,300,000.00 | City of Lake Charles | This federal funding will replace approximately 1.5 miles of deteriorated distribution pipe and associated appurtenances. |
Background
The DWSRF provides grants and forgivable loans to improve drinking water treatment, fix water distribution, improve sources of water supply, and replace or construct finished water storage tanks. This funding accounts for fiscal year 2024. IIJA provides additional funding each year through 2026, meaning Louisiana can expect to receive more funding for water infrastructure for the next two years.
Last year, Cassidy wrote a letter to the editor highlighting enhanced funding for SRF programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve water systems across Louisiana in The Advocate. Learn more here.
