Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Highlights Importance of State Revolving Fund Programs

Strategic Insights -

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) emphasized the significance of the State Revolving Fund programs during a recent Natural Resources Board meeting. The funds provide financial assistance to municipalities across the state for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, aimed at protecting public health and water quality. Since 1991, the programs have allocated over $7.3 billion to over 2,000 projects. Jim Ritchie, DNR Bureau Director of Community Financial Assistance, highlighted the importance of these programs in saving communities money through low-interest loans and principal forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the State Revolving Fund, which includes the Clean Water Fund and Safe Drinking Water Loan programs, providing financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure projects.
  • Since 1991, the State Revolving Fund programs have provided over $7.3 billion in financial assistance to municipalities across Wisconsin for over 2,000 projects.
  • Demand for financial assistance from communities across the state remains high, largely due to the increased funding and amounts of principal forgiveness available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allowed the DNR to fund projects beyond what could have been previously funded, with demand expected to remain strong through 2027.
  • The 2025-27 Wisconsin state budget increases borrowing for the State Revolving Fund by $731.6 million to secure federal clean water and safe drinking water capitalization grants.
  • The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program provides subsidized loans to municipalities for public drinking water systems and infrastructure projects, including the removal of lead service lines and addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS.
  • The Clean Water Fund Program provides subsidized loans to municipalities for publicly owned wastewater treatment and collection system infrastructure projects.

Statistics:

  • $7.3 billion: The total financial assistance allocated by the State Revolving Fund programs since 1991.
  • 2,000: The number of projects funded by the State Revolving Fund programs since 1991.
  • $731.6 million: The increase in borrowing for the State Revolving Fund in the 2025-27 Wisconsin state budget.
  • 2027: The anticipated end date of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's funding and principal forgiveness.
  • 2025-27: The timeframe for the increased borrowing for the State Revolving Fund, as outlined in the Wisconsin state budget.

Sources:

  • Madison, WI -- The following information was released by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.