SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) announced a $500 million infrastructure renewal program partially funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The announcement was made at an event at Bondi’s Island that included Congressman Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, EPA Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. SWSC Commissioner Vanessa Otero and Executive Director Josh Schimmel also spoke about the new deal.

The $500 million Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal Program is receiving EPA support through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). WIFIA is providing a $250 million dollar loan that will save around $60 million in borrowing costs over 30 years, according to SWSC’s announcement.

“People pay attention to water when it doesn’t work,” said Neal. The congressman and former mayor of Springfield shared his pride with the Connecticut River’s improvement over his political tenure. While the area used to be utilized as a dumping ground, he said the water is now an active area for recreation. “The river is lightyears from where it was,” said Neal, who described Springfield’s water supply as the “envy of the nation.”

According to Fox, the program is set to accelerate Springfield’s water schedule by 15 years. Along with continuing Springfield’s mission to provide reliable water systems, the money will go directly toward replacing 1,000 miles of old pipes and implementing green energy solutions.

There will also be upgrades to facilities, including the West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant, the York Pump Station and the Connecticut River Crossing Project. She also explained the programs will create more than 1,700 jobs in the process. “These types of investments are one of the best bets we can make,” said Fox.

Sarno spoke about the ways the advantageous deal will improve Springfield, ensuring that the city will continue to provide “one of the best water systems in the country” while helping economic development for businesses like MGM that require an ample supply of water. The mayor stressed the importance of not cutting corners when it comes to water supply, referencing the recent difficulties in Flint Michigan as an example. He also celebrated the unity of different organizations coming together under one cause. “Everyone working together, that’s how you make beautiful projects,” said Sarno.

SWSC Commissioner Otero recognized that the effort was originally a “longshot” opportunity, but she said that her team bet on themselves to accomplish their goal.

Schimmel thanked the state and federal government, with both structures allowing the city of Springfield to embrace forward thinking decisions.

The project is set to begin development in 2022.