Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 awarded a capitalization grant of $37.65 million to the Louisiana Department of Health under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program (CFDA 66.468) on May 1, 2025, with a completion date of May 1, 2030. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), this award enables Louisiana to provide low-interest financing to eligible public water systems for planning, design, and construction of drinking water infrastructure improvements. The DWSRF operates as a revolving loan mechanism, allowing the state to finance projects that advance Safe Drinking Water Act objectives and protect public health throughout Louisiana's 64 parishes.

In addition to direct project financing, the Louisiana Department of Health will utilize set-aside funding for technical assistance to small water systems, operator certification activities, and source water protection initiatives. Sub-recipients, including communities and utilities, will receive loans—rather than sub-grants—through funding agreements with the Department of Health to support eligible public health-related projects. The anticipated outcomes include increased technical, managerial, and financial capacity of public water systems, with the ultimate benefit of enhanced public health protection for Louisiana residents.