Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN26-13
Issued: September 08, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the availability of $10,800,000 in funding for the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately 15 grants, each up to either $7.8 million or $1 million, depending on the project type.
Purpose of the Grant
The purpose of the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program is to support expanding career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector and elevating public awareness about jobs in the water workforce. By accelerating career pipelines in the water utilities sector and providing access to water utility workforce opportunities, this funding opportunity aims to strengthen the nation’s water workforce, thereby improving public health and environmental protection.
Activities funded under this grant opportunity may include training individuals through an apprenticeship program and placing them into water sector jobs, training individuals for industry accreditation, or developing collaborations with community colleges, technical schools, and utilities to address the water utility employment needs.
Eligibility
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)
- Public works departments and agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Nonprofit professional or service organizations
- Nonprofit labor organizations
- Nonprofit community colleges
- Other nonprofit training and educational institutions
Funding Details
- Project Area 1: Targeted internship, apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship projects. Applicants may apply for up to $7,800,000.
- Project Area 2: Education programs for elementary, secondary, and higher education students. Applicants may apply for up to $1,000,000.
- Project Area 3: Regional industry and workforce development collaborations. Applicants may apply for up to $1,000,000.
- Project Area 4: Training programs for decentralized workforce. Applicants may apply for up to $1,000,000.
Awards funded under this grant opportunity are expected to have a project period of three years. Cost sharing and matching funds are not required for this grant opportunity, though applicants may choose to leverage resources to support the project.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until October 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by the application deadline. For more information about the funding organization and how to apply, visit the EPA website.
/s/ KIMBERLEE MEYER, Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division