Environmental Protection Agency Programs

LOCD administers Environmental Protection Agency funding to support water quality improvements, environmental remediation and infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment. These programs assist local governments in addressing compliance requirements, improving system reliability and reducing environmental risk.

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program, established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, awards funding to states. The program is designed to help public water systems in small, underserved and disadvantaged communities meet and comply with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) drinking water regulations by providing funding for eligible drinking water projects and activities.

Program Priorities

 

  • Upgrading infrastructure to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act
  • Reducing exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
  • Removing sources of lead contamination
  • Addressing local drinking water challenges
  • Creating transmission, distribution and storage infrastructure that supports drinking water quality improvements
  • Building the technical, financial and managerial capacity of water system operations and staff

Funding Structure


The state of Louisiana receives funding annually and awards funds based on letters of intent. Projects are reviewed by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) for eligibility and highest priority need.

Emerging Contaminants in Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Community Grant Program

The Emerging Contaminants in Small, Underserved or Disadvantaged Community (EC-SUDC) grant program focuses on projects whose primary purpose is to address contaminants in drinking water, whether found in a public water system or in source water. Projects that address any contaminant listed on EPA's Contaminant Candidate Lists on their website are eligible for funding.

To maximize public health protection, EPA also encourages states to address perchlorate and other contaminants that pose higher levels of health concern in small and disadvantaged communities.

Funding Structure


The state of Louisiana will receive five years of funding and will work with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to determine awards based on submitted letters of intent. LDH reviews all proposed projects for eligibility and highest priority need.