This consolidated grant provides funding under infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) appropriation to support the virgin islands department of planning and natural resources' (vidpnr's)…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 awarded $31.84 million to the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources under the Environmental Protection Consolidated Grants for the Insular Areas program (CFDA 66.600) on October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2032. This formula grant, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), consolidates drinking water and clean water infrastructure construction funding to support the territory's water system improvements and public health objectives under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act authorities.

The award funds planning, design, and construction of water infrastructure projects delivered through subawards to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA). Key deliverables include replacement of aging and leaking water distribution mains, upgrades to undersized mains, full pressurization of water transmission and distribution systems, repair and replacement of wastewater collection systems including collapsed sewer mains, wastewater treatment plant improvements, and lift station efficiency enhancements. These activities prioritize asset management, operational cost reduction, and energy conservation while improving water quality, system reliability, and ensuring a safer potable water supply for Virgin Islands residents.

This consolidated grant provides funding under infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) appropriation to support the virgin islands department of planning and natural resources' (vidpnr's) drinking water and clean water infrastructure construction grant programs. These funds will be used to finance various drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to further the health, water quality improvement and protection objectives authorized under section 1452 of the safe drinking water act (SDWA) and section 201(G) of the clean water act (CWA).activities:the proposed projects will focus on drinking water distribution lines, wastewater collection system repair and replacement, and asset management. The proposed activities and budget are detailed in the intended use plan (IUP). The water system improvement projects' primary objectives include replacing old leaking water mains, upgrading undersized mains, full-time pressurization of the water transmission and distribution system, and reducing operations and maintenance costs. The objective of the proposed wastewater projects is to improve plant operation and lift station efficiency, conservation of energy, upgrade treatment capacity, and reduce the cost of operations and maintenance. Proposed projects will also improve the collection system as IT will replace collapsed sewer mains. Subrecipient:this award includes subawards for VI water and power authority (WAPA) and VI waste management authority (VIWMA), to address activities related to the construction of clean water and drinking water facilities.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include planning, design, and construction of eligible water quality improvement and protection projects and provide assurance of a cleaner and safer potable water supply by funding improvements to multiple water infrastructure projects. The expected outcomes are to improve and protect water quality and public health. The intended beneficiaries include citizens throughout usvi.