By Kevin Derby | Florida Daily | 04.05.19
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is sending almost $100 million to South Florida to
help improve wastewater infrastructure.
On Friday, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler
announced a $99.7 million Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Miami-
Dade County “to finance advanced wastewater
infrastructure upgrades.” U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-
Balart, R-Fla., and Miami-Dade County Mayor
Carlos Giménez joined Wheeler at the South
District Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“EPA’s nearly $100 million WIFIA loan to Miami-
Dade County will help construct advanced
wastewater treatment technologies that will
protect our oceans and beaches while creating
valuable jobs,” said Wheeler. “Through the WIFIA
program, EPA is fulfilling several of President
Trump’s top priorities simultaneously: upgrading
our nation’s water infrastructure, protecting water
resources, and creating well-paying jobs.”
“As an appropriator, I know how significant the
WIFIA loan is to localities across the nation, and
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I know first-hand how far these dollars will go
in our community,” said Diaz-Balart. “Not only
will this loan save the County nearly $30 million
while improving critical infrastructure, but it will
also create approximately 95 new jobs - thereby
boosting our local economy. I thank Administrator
Andrew Wheeler for his commitment to our nation,
and for the signing of this loan. I look forward to the
execution of this project and seeing its tremendous
impact in Miami-Dade County.”
State leaders welcomed the announcement. Gov.
Ron DeSantis applauded the funds headed to
South Florida.
“President Trump’s administration continues to
demonstrate its commitment to helping address
Florida’s unique water challenges,” said DeSantis.
“These federal dollars being released by the EPA
will be invested in critical water infrastructure
upgrades and help protect the water supply for
millions of Floridians for generations to come. We
continue to do our part at the state level to push
for historic investments to protect and restore our
environment and water quality.”
EPA Sending
$100 Million to
Miami Dade for
Wastewater
Infrastructure