Formula Grant 98T80601

This $42,196,000 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program (CFDA 66.442) provides funding to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (AFA) to implement projects and activities to address emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies serving small or disadvantaged communities across the state. Key activities include research, testing, planning, design, treatment, source water protection, water system restructuring, providing access to drinking water services, technical assistance, outreach, education, and workforce development for public water systems. AFA intends to subaward funds to the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) to provide direct technical assistance to public water systems on these efforts. The anticipated deliverables include baseline sampling, contaminant monitoring, community engagement, and remediation solutions evaluated on a system-by-system basis, with the goal of ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for all Arizona residents in small or disadvantaged communities.