Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud $45 Million Investment in Alaska’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure | U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud $45 Million Investment in Alaska's Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Senator Lisa Murkowski
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Anchorage, AK – U.S. Senators Applaud EPA’s Funding for Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Alaska
Date: 02.23.24
Anchorage, AK – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of $45,509,000 for drinking water, clean water, and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Alaska. EPA received the funding to make these awards, which go to state-run programs, from 2021’s bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Thanks to this award, more Alaskans will have access to clean drinking water and upgraded wastewater facilities. This is truly an investment in Alaska’s public health, and another example of how our bipartisan infrastructure law continues to transform rural communities across Alaska,” Murkowski said. “I believe all Alaskans should have access to safe drinking water and a flush toilet—and that’s exactly why I ensured the bipartisan infrastructure law featured significant funding for the water infrastructure of underserved and unserved communities in our state that need support the most.”
“Alaska is a resource-rich, but infrastructure-poor state, and this is certainly the case with our water systems.” Senator Sullivan said. “Dozens of communities in Alaska don’t have access to clean running water or flush toilets—these are American citizens living in the 21st century. This is just unacceptable. As a member of the Senate EPW committee, I have focused relentlessly on getting federal resources to these communities to correct this injustice. Our work through the committee to significantly plus-up these programs, along with provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure law, are delivering historic investments for Alaska’s water infrastructure. These investments will fund vital infrastructure projects across our great state and improve the health and well-being of countless Alaskans.”
Background:
The bipartisan infrastructure law (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, PL 117-58) has now invested over $182 million into water infrastructure projects across Alaska. To date, Alaska has received over $7.2 billion in infrastructure investments from the law, with over 1,600 specific projects identified for funding.
Today’s announcement is part of the investments being made to bolster the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. According to EPA, “Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.” To learn more about how the State of Alaska has used, and plans to use, these funds, please click here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses the funding allocated for drinking water, clean water, and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Alaska. This directly relates to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Additionally, the article mentions the infrastructure-poor state of Alaska, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure, which aligns with SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. The funding allocated aims to improve access to safe drinking water and upgraded wastewater facilities in Alaska, aligning with SDG 6.1 and SDG 6.2. Additionally, the focus on infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities supports SDG 9.1.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment amount: The article mentions that over $182 million has been invested into water infrastructure projects across Alaska, indicating progress towards the targets.
- Number of specific projects identified for funding: The article states that over 1,600 specific projects have been identified for funding, indicating the scope of infrastructure improvements.
- Availability of grants and loans: The article mentions that almost half of the funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, indicating support for underserved communities.
These indicators provide measurable ways to track progress towards achieving the identified targets. The investment amount, number of projects, and availability of grants and loans reflect the commitment to improving water infrastructure in Alaska.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | – Investment amount – Number of specific projects identified for funding |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations. | – Investment amount – Number of specific projects identified for funding |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | – Investment amount – Number of specific projects identified for funding – Availability of grants and loans |
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Source: murkowski.senate.gov
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