EPA announced this week the investment of $50 billion in rural water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The investment aims to improve management of wastewater, storm water and drinking water in rural communities. EPA Administrator Michael Regan says most rural communities lack the tax space to do upgrades and the hope is that this investment will also help spur economic development in these communities.

Regan and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are having conversations with farmers, ag leaders and CEOs across the county as part of a rural tour to walk them through the USDA – EPA partnership. Regan also said the EPA is making $50 million available for technical assistance to help rural communities be more competitive.

Read more on EPA’s investment announcement here.