Senator Eldridge and Representative Sena Announce Over $4 Million in Funding to Finance Drinking Water and Clean Water Quality Projects in Harvard
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) released community allocations of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)
Harvard, MA -- State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) are pleased to announce that the State Revolving Fund loan program has awarded over $4 million to the town of Harvard to fund water infrastructure projects supporting a clean, healthy, and modern water supply.
This funding is part of $1.3 billion in low-interest-rate loans and grants allocated for projects proposed by municipalities, regional water supply and wastewater treatment districts, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Administered by the Clean Water Trust, the State Revolving Fund is instrumental to improving water quality, updating aging infrastructure, and improving renewable energy and climate resiliency in water systems across the Commonwealth. This year's funding includes $173 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and finances 61 clean water infrastructure projects, 50 drinking water construction projects, and 39 Asset Management Planning projects.
“Water infrastructure is in serious need of updates and climate resiliency improvements in municipalities across the commonwealth. I am grateful this essential funding has been allocated to Harvard to enable the Harvard-Devens Water System Interconnection and and ensure the residents of Harvard have easy access to safe, uncontaminated water,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) “The continued investment in protecting this crucial water resources is paramount and I am proud to be sponsoring S.476 An Act improving municipal water infrastructure, which would increase municipal funds for drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater infrastructure.”
“Clean drinking water is essential to our health, and will always be a priority to my office,” said State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) “Harvard residents will surely benefit from these infrastructure improvements providing access to safe water. This funding, along with bills I’ve filed like H.902, will improve water quality for everyone around the Commonwealth.”
The State Revolving Fund programs make water projects accessible to communities and ensures affordability through loan forgiveness offered to municipalities meeting the affordability criteria, including 64 of this year's new projects. Additionally, reduced borrowing rates are available for communities meeting the Housing Choice Initiative criteria to support municipalities pursuing sustainable and affordable housing.
The town of Harvard will receive $4,850,000 funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to support the Harvard-Devens Water System Interconnection. This project will connect the town of Harvard to Devens’ water system. This is an important health measure given the challenges Harvard’s water system has experienced with coliform bacteria contamination. The connection will ensure a long term clean water supply for the residents of Devens. Clean, safe water is essential to the health and prosperity of the Commonwealth. Funding provided through the State Revolving Fund enables the projects necessary to maintain and improve Massachusetts’ water infrastructure and ensures this need is met for residents today and for generations to come.
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