Help AWWA tell Congress to ‘Keep Funds Flowing’ for water infrastructure

Proposed budget cuts in the U.S. Congress threaten to reduce funding for loans under the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) — critical financing for countless infrastructure improvements across the United States.

That’s why the American Water Works Association has launched the “Keep Funds Flowing” campaign. Through stories that capture the tangible benefits of projects funded by SRFs and WIFIA loans, AWWA is underscoring the urgent need for continued federal investment in water systems.

“Programs like WIFIA and the SRFs are efficient, strategic funding tools that help our communities thrive and maintain high standards of public health protection,” said AWWA Legislative Affairs Director Nate Norris. “These vital programs should continue to be supported and fully funded.”

The EPA estimates that over the next 20 years, U.S. drinking water systems will need to invest $625 billion for repairs and upgrades, and wastewater and stormwater systems will need to invest $630 billion.

SRF and WIFIA loans provide low-cost financing that makes important projects possible, particularly for smaller utilities with smaller budgets. The SRFs are state-managed loan programs that reinvest money as loans are paid off, so funds can be used for other projects. In part because loan repayments revolve back into the fund, every $1 invested in the SRFs results in $2 in infrastructure improvements.

WIFIA uses a small congressional appropriation to cover the credit subsidy cost for low-interest, long-term loans, enabling the program to support up to $100 in project financing for every $1 invested by the federal government. In 2024, EPA closed 18 loans and provided nearly $2 billion in financing to support more than $4 billion in projects.

AWWA has already shared stories from Colorado, Florida and Utah that showcase the magnitude of improvements that are possible with these loans. And AWWA is looking for more.

Has your utility benefited from federal infrastructure funding? If AWWA can feature your project in its advocacy efforts, please fill out this form. For more information, visit www.awwa.org/keepfundsflowing.