Greening the Economic Stimulus

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included $4 billion dollars for clean water and $2 billion dollars for drinking water projects. Fifty percent of the funds provided through the water stimulus money must be "granted" (rather than loaned) through principal forgiveness, negative interest loans, or other means. This money will be distributed by the states through their State Revolving Loan Funds, and represents an amazing opportunity to improve water quality and protect public health.

Even better news: 20 percent of the water stimulus funds ($1.2 billion) are set-aside to support "green" infrastructure, water or energy efficiency projects and other innovative projects. Learn more about how the money can be used by reading EPA's guidance on SRF moneys and the stimulus.

River Network is working with watershed groups and river lovers to identify good projects that should receive this funding. What can you do?

• Review the amount that is allocated to your state. SRF allocations

• Contact your State Revolving Fund coordinators.
  Clean Water SRF coordinators Drinking Water SRF coordinators

• Need help? Review factsheet. Follow the steps of the flowchart.

• Tell us what you find out.SRF survey
  We are collecting this information to help ensure states are following the EPA guidelines.

• Learn more about State Revolving Funds.

• Explore additional funding for regional and local planning. 604(b) funds

• For more information visit American Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

For more ideas about getting involved in river protection, please see River Network's Ready, Set, Action page!