The United States Congress’ massive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is having a considerable (and beneficial) impact on construction markets and the environment. While the early projects to benefit from the multi-billion dollar economic stimulus package were those deemed “shovel ready,” a great many more are now falling into place, from projects that had fallen away from regular funding (such Superfund cleanups) to new clean water initiatives.
Approximately $7.22 billion is moving into these key areas with water-related projects receiving the lionshare.
This graphic from the US Environmental Protection Agency helps explain the impact of much of the spending:
As can be seen, water resources play a major role. Roughly $6 billion has been moved into water quality projects. Wastewater facilities are receiving upgrades. Leaking underground tanks are being remediated. Conservation technologies are being installed and beaches are being protected from erosion.
The National Priorities List (NPL)–also known as “Superfund”–has also been given a welcomed boost. (See this EPA news item from 15 April 2009.)
Even brownfields projects, which are helping communities convert formerly polluted sites into viable revenue-generating or recreational spaces, has received $100 million.
The effect of this is certainly being felt in the geosynthetics industry, which provides many of the vital containment, reinforcement and erosion control technologies that these environmentally sensitive and environmentally damaged sites need.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Brownfields
$100 million for competitive grants to evaluate and clean up former industrial and commercial sites
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
$4 billion for assistance to help communities with water quality and wastewater infrastructure needs
http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/index.htm
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
$2 billion for drinking water infrastructure needs
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/index.html
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$200 million for cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks
http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/
Superfund Hazardous Waste Cleanup
$600 million for the cleanup of hazardous sites
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/
US EPA Recovery Act Site
http://www.epa.gov/recovery/
