Water Sector News
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More than 100 Louisiana water, sewer systems get funding for repairs
Financial help is on the way for Louisiana communities that frequently have to boil their drinking water to make it safe, and for places where aging sewer systems present a public health risk.
State lawmakers voted Tuesday to allocate $274 million to 87 community water and sewage systems around the state for upgrades and overhauls. The action comes after legislators agreed to distribute an initial $23 million to 29 water and sewer systems in early December.
Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration and legislators picked the projects to be funded from approximately 500 applications. Local systems must still execute a legal agreement with the state over the next two months to receive the money.
The recipients were selected largely based on the severity of their need, but also on the long-term viability of their system and readiness to start construction. Local governments that could cover more of the cost of their projects were also more likely to receive money.