AKRON, Ohio - Akron is receiving $511,000 in low-interest and principal forgiveness loans from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay for wastewater and drinking water improvements.

The money will go toward two projects: upgrades at the Eastwood Pumping Station and a study designed to assess problems in the Hawkins, Hackberry and Grand Park service areas.

The funding is part of $97 million in low-interest and principal forgiveness funding the Ohio EPA approved between July 1 and Sept. 30 to improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in communities in Northeast Ohio. In total, the lower interest rates and forgiven principal will save the communities more than $14.7 million.