ACWA to Host Webinar Detailing Federal Funding Opportunities by ACWA Staff May 25, 2022 Water News Due to the overwhelming interest in the interactive roundtable at ACWA’s Spring Conference, ACWA will host a follow-up webinar on federal funding this summer. The webinar will provide an overview of the federal funding opportunities for water and wastewater providers at the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Agriculture. The webinar will also include information about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding that is available this year, and accessing other federal programs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on Nov. 15. The package includes $8.3 billion for Western water infrastructure, $3.3 billion for wildfire mitigation, $2.1 billion for ecosystem restoration, and $55 billion for drinking and clean water. During the Roundtable Talk held May 4, several experts attended to provide information about how to access federal funds. Speakers included: Ana Schwab, Director of Government Affairs, Best Best and Krieger LLP David Reynolds, Directors of Federal Relations, ACWA Lowry Crook, Partner, Best Best and Krieger LLP Mark Limbaugh, President, The Ferguson Group Roger Gwinn, CEO, The Ferguson Group Sean Taylor, Senior Director of Governmental Issues, Van Ness Feldman LLP Among the tips shared were: To move projects forward, it was suggested that members send letters of support to members of Congress and that agencies show community engagement and support for their project. It was also suggested that in order to create the most competitive applications, applicants collaborate with tribal partners, gain support from local governments and build relationships with the congressional delegation. More details about the webinar will be available soon on the ACWA website. Resources In addition to the future webinar, members can also get an in-depth look at federal issues at the upcoming DC Conference, July 12-14 at the Mayflower Hotel. The following resources also provide more information on the topic: President Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Package EPA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law webpage USDA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law web page Reclamation Bipartisan Infrastructure Law web page Congressional Research Service Report on Drinking Water and Wastewater funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
