Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have expressed their approval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent allocation of $45,509,000 for water infrastructure improvements in Alaska. This funding is part of the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted in 2021.

Senator Murkowski emphasized the significance of this investment for public health in Alaska. "Thanks to this award, more Alaskans will have access to clean drinking water and upgraded wastewater facilities," she stated. She also highlighted her commitment to ensuring that all Alaskans have access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.

Senator Sullivan addressed the challenges faced by many communities in Alaska regarding basic water infrastructure. "Alaska is a resource-rich, but infrastructure-poor state, and this is certainly the case with our water systems," he said. He described the lack of clean running water or flush toilets as unacceptable for American citizens living in modern times. As a member of the Senate EPW committee, Sullivan has been actively working to secure federal resources to address these issues.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58), has already directed over $182 million towards water projects across Alaska. The state has received more than $7.2 billion from this law for various infrastructure projects.

Today's announcement contributes to strengthening the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. According to EPA, nearly half of this funding will be distributed as grants or principal forgiveness loans, targeting underserved communities most in need.