Turning the Tide: EPA Announces $7 billion in WIFIA Funding

We’ve got big news in the water world: the U.S. EPA has announced roughly $7 billion in new funding under its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.

That’s not just a headline, it’s a game-changer for communities, utilities, and infrastructure innovators nationwide.

What is WIFIA, Anyway?

WIFIA is a low-cost, long-term loan program run by the EPA, designed to help fund major water projects like drinking water treatment, wastewater upgrades, stormwater systems, and more.  Since its launch (thanks to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014), the program has helped finance billions in water-system improvements.

Because these loans are flexible, they often pair with other funding sources: state funds, municipal bonds, even private money. That means communities of all sizes can take advantage.

What’s New: The $7 Billion Announcement

Here’s the breakdown on the fresh cash:

• The EPA is opening $6.5 billion for WIFIA loans.

• On top of that, $550 million is available through SWIFIA (that’s the State Infrastructure Financing Authority version of WIFIA).

• This funding comes as part of the EPA’s 9th round of WIFIA selection.

• The application process is “rolling,” meaning eligible projects can apply anytime, not just in a limited window.

Why This Matters (Especially for Communities)

1. Big Projects, Big Impact

   This isn’t just for small fixes. WIFIA loans are aimed at regionally or nationally significant projects that can reshape water infrastructure.

2. More Bang for Your Buck

   By providing low-cost loans, WIFIA makes it easier for municipalities to afford large-scale infrastructure work and reduce the burden on ratepayers.

3. Priorities That Align with the Future

   The EPA says its priority areas for this round include:

   • Clean drinking water and pollution control

   • Innovation in the water sector

   • Economic growth and industrial resurgence

   • Supporting local and regional water priorities

4. It’s a Job Machine Historically, WIFIA-funded projects create a ton of jobs. The cash being announced now has the potential to fuel further economic activity while improving public health.

Real-World Wins Already in Motion

In this same announcement, the EPA approved five new WIFIA loans for projects across the U.S.:

• Fort Worth, TX: $347M — Upgrading wastewater collection, building a new reclamation facility, and reusing water.

• Pflugerville, TX: $176M — Drinking water and wastewater modernization; a new treatment plant.

• Joliet, IL: $87M — Transitioning its water supply, upgrading distribution, reducing loss.

• Ashland, OR: $73M — Building a new drinking water treatment plant for resilience.

• Wilton Manors, FL: $28M — Replacing mains, lift stations, and improving stormwater infrastructure.

These are not pipe dreams, these are very real, community-changing projects.

Why PipeAid is Pumped About This

The EPA unlocking $7 billion in WIFIA funding is a massive opportunity for utilities to accelerate improvements without overwhelming costs. PipeAid can help you make the most of it:

1. Stronger, Data-Driven WIFIA Applications

WIFIA applications live and die by data: documented system needs, risk assessments, cost justification, and clear prioritization. PipeAid gives you the kind of clean, defensible, GIS-linked inspection data that strengthens your case and helps you stand out in a competitive funding round.

No guesswork. No “we think this pipe is failing.” Just verified, AI-supported insight.

2. Faster Condition Assessments = Faster Project Readiness

WIFIA funds major regional and nationally significant work, but these projects require a clear, validated understanding of system condition.

PipeAid uses AI and trained engineering QA/QC to deliver NASSCO-coded CCTV assessments in a fraction of the time, helping utilities quickly define scope, verify needs, and move confidently toward WIFIA eligibility.

3. A Digital Twin That Makes Planning (and Defending) Your Project Easier

PipeAid’s GIS-integrated digital twin gives utility owners a visual, map-based view of defects, pipe-by-pipe conditions, and risk areas. That means:

• Easier communication with boards, councils, or partners

• Clear prioritization for WIFIA project bundling

• Better long-term financial planning

In other words, the story your application needs to tell becomes obvious.

4. Cost Savings That Align with WIFIA’s Goals

WIFIA was designed to help communities stretch investment dollars further. PipeAid supports that mission by providing:

• Significantly reduced inspection and coding turnaround time

• Fewer field re-runs due to missed defects

• A precise map of where repairs are truly needed (and where they aren’t)

That means better budgeting and less over- or under-scoping, a key value WIFIA reviewers look for.

5. We Can Help You From Application Through Delivery

Beyond fast and accurate AI coding, PipeAid can also assist utilities with the WIFIA application process itself. If you need a technology partner that can help you build the case and then execute the work, we’re ready.

Ready to Take Advantage of WIFIA Funding?

Don’t let this opportunity pass by. PipeAid can help you navigate the application process and deliver the data-driven insights your project needs to stand out.

👉 Start your WIFIA application journey and unlock the full potential of this funding here.