Wastewater Infrastructure Funds – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)

June 14, 2021 / Comments (0)

MWUA News

June 10, 2021

RE: Wastewater Infrastructure Funds – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)

Dear Wastewater Professional:

This letter is being sent to all DEP wastewater contacts to inform you of potential wastewater infrastructure funding.

Recently the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. Subtitle M of ARPA provides funds that may be used for wastewater infrastructure (among other uses).

ARPA provides funding to cover costs incurred by state, county, and local governments by December 31, 2024. There are four eligible uses of the funds in Subtitle M and one of them is, “(D) to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.”

Maine’s total estimated state share is approximately $997 million. Governor Mills has proposed $22 million of the state funds be used for wastewater infrastructure and Governor’s plan is currently being reviewed by the Legislature. The Department is developing a plan on how to utilize these funds and additional information will be forthcoming when the funds are finally approved.

Funds will also be made available directly from the federal government to county and city/town governments.

  • Counties: Maine’s share is approximately $261 million.
  • Metropolitan Cities: Maine’s share is approximately $121 million.
  • Nonentitlement Units of Local Government (those that are not Metropolitan Cities): Maine’s share is approximately $119 million.

Since there are multiple potential uses for these funds2, you may want to engage soon with your county and local city/town governments on the potential use of these funds for wastewater infrastructure needs.

Additional detailed guidance can be found on the U.S. Treasury web site here:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribalgovernments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds

Questions regarding funds for county, metropolitan cities, and non-entitlement units of local government are best directed through the U.S. Treasury web site.

Please feel free to contact me at 530-0293, or [email protected], or John True, [email protected], 287-7808 with any comments or questions.

Sincerely,
BRIAN KAVANAH
Director, Bureau of Water Quality

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