EPA Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program (FY2026)
Program Summary
A $10.8 million EPA grant program funding internships, education pipelines, and training for the drinking water and wastewater utility workforce, including a dedicated track for decentralized septic system workers.
Full Description
EPA is making $10.8 million available under the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program (authorized under the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018) to build career pipelines into the water and wastewater utility sector. EPA anticipates up to 15 cooperative agreement awards, ranging roughly from $250,000 to $7.8 million, across four program areas: targeted internships and apprenticeships for skilled water utility trades; education programs for elementary, secondary, and higher-education students; regional industry and workforce development collaborations; and education/training programs for decentralized (septic) water workers serving communities on private wells and septic systems. This is a national competitive grant open to organizations serving any state, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Key Details
Eligible Applicants
Nonprofit professional or service organizations, nonprofit labor organizations, nonprofit community colleges, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit training/educational institutions, and public works departments
Geographic Focus
National, PA, OH, WV
Funding Amount
$10.8 million total; individual awards approx. $250,000-$7.8 million; up to 15 awards anticipated
Contact
waterworkforceNOFO@epa.gov
