Sens. Moran, Marshall and Rep. Estes Applaud $191 Million EPA Loan to Improve Water Quality in Wichita

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04) today applauded the $191 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan awarded to the City of Wichita by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve water quality and create an anticipated 1,250 jobs.

In 2021, Sens. Moran and Marshall and Rep. Estes urged the EPA to approve the City of Wichita’s application for a WIFIA loan to improve water quality and increase the level of service for one of the state’s largest communities.

“Access to clean water is critical for Kansas communities and their long-term success,” said Sen. Moran. “Improving and updating Wichita’s water system is an important investment in the future of our state. This project will create new jobs for the community and sustain future growth as the City of Wichita continues to expand.”

“I applaud the work of our Wichita city leaders and their advocacy for improvements in the wastewater treatment facility,” said Sen. Marshall. “This investment will ensure that all residents continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water. The project will improve water quality in the Arkansas River and Mississippi River Basin, building upon the city’s efforts to improve water quality across Wichita from all water and wastewater systems.”

“Clean water is essential for families, businesses and economic growth in our region, and this loan for Wichita's Biological Nutrient Removal Improvements Program will be helpful in securing water infrastructure for today and years to come,” said Rep. Estes.

The WIFIA loan will be distributed to the City of Wichita and the Department of Public Works. This loan will be used to upgrade two of the city’s most critical wastewater facilities, reducing nutrient contribution to the Arkansas River and Mississippi River Basin. The project will also address local odor concerns, meet growing demand with anticipated population growth and update aging infrastructure. The construction and operation are estimated to create approximately 1,250 jobs.