Rhode Island farthest away from spending federal water funds

But the data show Florida has been successful where others have failed, spending most of the almost $615 million it has received on improving water infrastructure in both densely populated and rural areas. Officials say project delays, poor management by some states and structural problems have contributed to the slow spending.

At the same time, the state says that fewer cash-strapped water systems are applying for the program because they can’t afford to take on any new debt.

Yet, the state is sitting on $11.5 million in unused federal grant funds that have accumulated over the last couple of years, figures from the Environmental Protection Agency show.

“Municipalities are always trying to spend their money in ways that keep their systems from crumbling”, said Smith, who served on the state commission.

Gov. Chris Christie in August approved up to $1.94 billion in state financing for drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects financed through the NJEIT and DEP.

Projects range from $58,000 for a storage tank demolition in Brielle Township to $18 million for Rahway to upgrade the filter system at its water treatment plant.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projects it will cost $384 billion over 20 years to maintain the nation’s existing drinking water infrastructure, while replacing pipes, treatment plants and other needs to handle a growing population could cost as much as $1 trillion.

“Inevitably, some of those projects take much longer than they meant to”, Pillsbury said. Under the initiative, grants would be provided to certain small and large public water systems that participate in the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, which is federally funded. About $2.6 billion of that amount includes fix and replacement of water mains, some of which are 100 years old. Without that investment, industry groups warn of a future with more infrastructure failures that will disrupt service, transportation and commerce.

“Although we have more work to accomplish, we are continuing to improve our position with this… strategy and anticipate additional significant reductions to unliquidated obligations in the coming year”, Ward said.

“There is a list of projects on the priority list that are a reflection of need, but also which water systems are ready to move forward with loans this year”, Swallow said. West Virginia American Water spent $105 million in system improvements between 2012 and 2014 and intends to spend $98 million more on projects through the beginning of 2017, she said.