$212 Million Available for PFAS-Related Drinking Water Projects in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, in collaboration with the MassDEP and the USEPA, has announced a commitment of $212 million in state revolving loan funds to help pay for 26 PFAS-related drinking water projects, as part of the final 2023 Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the Massachusetts Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. 

These grants will be available annually over five years from 2022 through 2026. In fiscal year 2023, Massachusetts expects to receive $16.4 million for the Emerging Contaminants Grant focusing on PFAS. 

The Emerging Contaminants Grant requires that at least 25% of the grant be directed to Disadvantaged Communities, and the full amount of the grant be provided as loan forgiveness to eligible projects including: 

• Projects that maintain compliance with public health standards or prevent violation of standards.
• Replacement, upgrading, and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure to prevent violation of public health standards and/or improve water pressure.
• Consolidation and/or restructuring of a public water system.
• Planning and/or design for any of the above.

The conditions of the grant require that a portion of the funding be provided as loan forgiveness. Other loan forgiveness options may be available depending on factors surrounding the project, such as incorporating renewable energy.

The full IUP is available as a PDF, and more information on the Disadvantaged Community Program can be found on Mass.gov.