Lead Pipe & Paint Action Plan Information

On December 16, 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris released the White House’s “Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.”  This will be important for our Rural America Clients to keep an eye on since there are new requirements that come with this from the EPA, which include the development of a lead service line inventory, and proposed requirements to replace these service lines as quickly as feasible.

The good news with this announcement is that there will be $15 Billion in funding coming through the EPA to help pay for these projects, including the costs associated with taking the inventory and the costs for replacements.

Local contributions for 2022 include:

• $28,275,000 for North Dakota
• $28,275,000 for Montana
• $28,275,000 for South Dakota
• $43,161,000 for Minnesota
• $28,275,000 for Wyoming

These funds will be dispersed through the State DWSRF programs and will be eligible for a 49% loan forgiveness.  Keep an eye out for these applications starting in January of 2022.

The complete press release can be found here.  Additional Information from the EPA  can be found here.

Interstate Engineering will continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies in the coming weeks and months, learning more about how this funding will enhance our rural communities.