Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) section 1459E to accelerate career pipelines in the water utilities sector and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities. This initiative supports the Administration’s priorities, including the goals of Make America Healthy Again, by focusing on building the nation’s water workforce, which is essential for public health and environmental protection.

The funding opportunity aims to expand career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector while elevating public awareness about jobs in the water workforce.

Grant Details
Eligible activities include:
1) Developing apprenticeship and internship programs;
2) Creating education programs for elementary, secondary, and higher education students;
3) Establishing regional industry collaborations;
4) Implementing training programs designed to support a decentralized workforce.

Proposed activities should aim for measurable results that demonstrate tangible benefits for water systems and communities. Examples include training individuals through apprenticeship programs, placing them into water sector jobs, training for industry accreditation, and collaborating with educational institutions to address employment needs in the water utility sector.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations, public works departments and agencies, nonprofit professional or service organizations, nonprofit labor organizations, nonprofit community colleges, and other nonprofit training and educational institutions. For-profit organizations and hospitals are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project period is three years from the award date.

Grant Value
Up to $10,800,000 may be awarded under this funding opportunity. Individual awards are expected to range from $1,000,000 to $7,800,000 for Project Area 1 and from $250,000 to $1,000,000 for Project Areas 2-4.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across various geographic locations as specified by applicants in their proposals.