DEP Inviting Comments On Revised Guidelines For Ranking Applications To PennVEST For Federally-Funded Water Infrastructure Grants/Loans Removing Environmental Justice Ranking Points

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 2 PA Bulletin inviting comments on revised guidelines for ranking applications to the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority for federally-funded State Revolving Fund grants and loans removing environmental justice ranking points.

The guidelines cover applications for drinking water, wastewater, non point source and stormwater projects.

The change was requested by the PennVEST Board.

The notice said, "Removing EJ points will not impact funding eligibility or an applicant's ability to qualify for grant (principal forgiveness) funds since PENNVEST's affordability evaluation relies on factors other than EJ. 

"Projects applying for DWSRF and CWSRF funding in this Commonwealth since 2012 have received a funding offer from PENNVEST, which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, and removal of EJ points from the ranking frameworks is not expected to substantively impact project funding offers."

Click Here for copies of the draft, revised guidelines (bottom of the page).

Comments are due September 2.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for information on how to submit comments and for other background.

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[Posted: August 1, 2025]  PA Environment Digest