Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 awarded $29.88 million to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment on July 1, 2025, under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program (CFDA 66.468). This capitalization grant, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enables Nebraska to provide low-interest-rate financing to eligible public water systems for planning, design, and construction of drinking water infrastructure improvement projects. The five-year award (concluding June 30, 2030) supports compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and delivers public health protection objectives through sustainable, long-term financing mechanisms for water quality and infrastructure enhancements across the state.

In addition to direct project financing, the award permits Nebraska to allocate funds toward specific set-asides, including technical assistance programs for small water systems, operator certification activities, and source water protection initiatives. As a formula grant with subaward authority, the DWSRF capitalization will be distributed to eligible public water systems and local communities through the state revolving fund mechanism, thereby increasing the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of participating water utilities. The anticipated outcomes include completion of eligible public health-related drinking water projects and improved water infrastructure across Nebraska, with intended beneficiaries encompassing citizens throughout the state.