EPA loan — Congresswomen Terri Sewell and representatives from EPA and Birmingham Water Works celebrate the $171 million loan (Rep. Teri Sewell / Facebook)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $171 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Birmingham Water Works.

“This is great news for the residents of Birmingham. Not only will this loan improve the city’s water supply and ensure safe drinking water, but it will save the city money and create more than a thousand jobs.”

U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell

Long acronym, important program

A mundane environmental initiative with a long acronym this federal loan program administered by the EPA makes a huge difference because it focuses on clean water and saving communities money.

The WIFIA program accomplishes that task by accelerating investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects.

How significant is the Birmingham Safe Drinking Water loan? It will also improve the drinking water for more than 770,000 Birmingham metro residents.

The first loan of its kind in Alabama

The loan, which is the first one ever awarded in Alabama, will focus on two particular projects to ensure safe drinking water.

They are:

Improvements in the Lake Purdy Dam
Replacement of lead service lines — reducing the risk of lead exposure

Another benefit? According to the EPA, Birmingham Water Works will save approximately $50 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. The project’s construction and operation will create about 1,200 jobs.

Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle, who visited Birmingham this week to announce the loan summed up the impact it will have on the Magic City best.:

“Water is essential to healthy, thriving communities. That’s why EPA’s $171 million low-interest loan is so important for the residents and businesses in Birmingham. It will help upgrade aging water infrastructure, including reducing water main breaks and removing legacy lead pipes, while reducing project costs.”

Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle

Are you glad to see Birmingham this loan program? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your thoughts!