Funding supports essential technical assistance services across Texas and Alabama
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Water Finance Exchange (WFX) has been awarded generous funding from the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and The Kohler Trust for Clean Water to provide technical assistance in Newbern, Alabama and communities across Texas, including Crystal City, Jim Wells County, and the South Texas Water Authority.
“Global Water Challenge is committed to removing barriers to last-mile clean water access in the United States and across the world,” said Monica Ellis, CEO of GWC. “Cultivating and equipping local champions with the skills to serve their communities with clean water access is a key strategy for reaching those at the last mile.”
GWC’s funding will empower WFX to advance comprehensive technical assistance work in 18 small, low-income communities in Texas and Alabama, providing support to more than 94,000 residents in accessing safe, reliable and resilient water infrastructure solutions and in accessing financing which can exceed $21 million. GWC’s funding for this program was made possible through the generosity of the Kohler Trust for Clean Water (KTCW), with the mission to help people receive the quantity and quality of water they need using solutions that minimize impact on the environment and build community resiliency to the impacts of climate change. KTCW is committed to “last mile” safe water access across the US. Together with GWC, WFX will unlock critical support for high-need American communities to provide safe, affordable and reliable water and wastewater services to communities.
These communities face major health and economic hurdles due to socioeconomic constraints and environmental challenges, such as subsurface conditions, drought or outdated and failing infrastructure, that compound their inability to access funding and financing for essential infrastructure that can support their economy and quality of life. WFX’s tailored, community-first technical and financial assistance approach allows each community’s unique needs to be addressed through infrastructure and financing solutions developed with the community.
In Newbern, Alabama, community members need affordable first-time wastewater services to alleviate ground and surface water contamination. In Jim Wells County and the Coastal Bend region, colonias face poor water quality, lack chlorination and have pipes resting above ground surface level, which have led to unreliable water service and a series of boil water notices. In Crystal City, antiquated, failing water infrastructure has led to unsustainable rates of water loss. For the South Texas Water Authority (STWA), the existing aging water infrastructure system is struggling to support residential needs and commercial expansion.
“WFX is incredibly grateful to Global Water Challenge for its generous support,” said Hank Habicht, WFX Co-founder. “This support allows us to tackle the last-mile barriers that too often prevent small and rural communities from securing the sustainable water infrastructure they need.”
WFX’s approach, generously funded by GWC, works to address water quality violations and flooding, increase water access, support the creation and advancement of regional strategies, promote affordable and predictable rates, sustainably reduce water loss and increase communication and capacity building for these communities. In turn, the development of sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure systems creates a bridge to improved community quality of life and economic opportunity.
To learn more about WFX’s mission and impact, visit www.waterfx.org. To learn more about GWC, visit www.globalwaterchallenge.org.
About WFX
Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit comprised of experienced water and finance professionals who work closely with communities to address head-on their water infrastructure funding needs and opportunities. Our mission is to help communities build sustainable and resilient utilities that are the foundation of economic growth and prosperity.
About Global Water Challenge (GWC)
Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a sector leader in mobilizing clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world. Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than three million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more. With our 100+ multi-sector partners, GWC engages for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit www.globalwaterchallenge.org.
About Kohler Trust for Clean Water (KTCW)
The Kohler Trust for Clean Water (KTCW) supports public charities that impact human health and wellbeing by supporting clean water access for those most in need in the USA. KTCW has a mission to help people get the quantity and quality of water they need using solutions that minimize impact on the environment and build community resiliency to the impacts of climate change. In addition to a focus on providing last mile access to clean, safe water for communities that lack access today, KTCW aims to accelerate freshwater science, engineering and technology development and future talent and expertise for water resource management.
Contacts
WFX Contact: Josh Clement
Director of Programs and Development
jclement@waterfx.org
GWC Contact: Helen McCarthy
Project and Communications Coordinator
helen.mccarthy@getf.org
