What is the purpose of grants given to states under CWA §1381?

The grants provided to states under the Clean Water Act (CWA) §1381 are specifically designed to support pollution control revolving funds. These funds are crucial for financing a variety of water quality improvement projects. By establishing these revolving funds, states can provide low-interest loans to municipalities and other entities for the planning, design, and construction of publicly owned treatment works, as well as for the implementation of nonpoint source management programs.

This approach promotes sustainable water quality management by allowing states to reuse the funds as loans are repaid, thus creating a continuous source of funding for pollution control initiatives.

In contrast, while marketing water resources, building new wastewater treatment plants, and environmental education programs are all relevant aspects of water management and environmental protection, they do not represent the primary purpose of the grants under §1381. Those grants focus specifically on enhancing a state’s ability to manage water pollution through financial support and infrastructure development linked directly to pollution control revolving funds.