Poor communities threatened by aging sewers face reduced federal aid

The article reports that federal grant cancellations and proposed budget cuts have reduced funding intended for sewer and septic repairs in historically underserved U.S. communities, leaving many projects and needed upgrades uncertain.

Many historically underserved U.S. communities have aging sewer and septic systems that reportedly fail during heavy rain and routine use. The article describes grant cancellations and proposed federal budget changes that affect funding set aside under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and related programs. Local officials, advocates and some court filings say those decisions have left projects and repairs uncertain in places such as Cahokia Heights, Illinois, and rural counties in Alabama and Mississippi. Key facts: - The article reports the Environmental Protection Agency eliminated its Environmental Justice office and canceled or halted related grants, including $14 million for septic systems in majority-Black Alabama counties and a $20 million grant tied to aging sewer lines in Georgia. - It reports at least 17 million Americans are served by about 1,000 wastewater systems that violate federal pollution limits, and about 2.7 million are served by the most troubled systems. - Cahokia Heights faces ongoing sewer problems and a 2024 Justice Department settlement requiring roughly $30 million in upgrades, and the article notes some FEMA infrastructure funding was ruled unlawfully ended by a federal judge and is under review. Summary: Reduced federal funding and canceled grants have left planned upgrades and repairs for sewer and septic systems uncertain, according to the article, and communities report continued backups and related concerns. Congress is considering a compromise bill that would limit the deepest cuts but change how some funds are allocated, and legal rulings and administrative reviews are affecting specific federal programs. Undetermined at this time.