New Jersey is set to receive $123.1 million in federal funding to replace lead pipes and prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. The funding, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, was announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday. The initiative aims to replace every lead pipe in the country, with the funding provided through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority is among the entities involved in the projects funded by this initiative. The project includes the excavation of lead drinking water service lines at homes and their replacement with copper lines.
'Every New Jerseyan deserves safe drinking water when they turn on their tap and this major injection of funding will further bolster the work to achieve that goal,' said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed gratitude for the support from the Biden Administration and the U.S. EPA, stating that the substantial federal resources will bring the state closer to its goal of replacing every lead service line by 2031.
The funding is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. The EPA estimates that New Jersey has more than 350,000 lead lines, among the most in the nation.