By Amber Adams, Grants & Funding Program Manager, WSB
If you’re leading a local or tribal government right now, you’re likely managing the same mix we hear across the country: aging systems, rising costs, limited staff capacity, and community expectations that don’t slow down. The encouraging news is that 2026 still offers meaningful federal support for infrastructure but the communities that benefit most aren’t the ones that start when a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) drops. They’re the ones who have the essentials in place before the clock starts.
Water Infrastructure Funding Remains a “Workhorse” in 2026
State Revolving Funds (SRFs) continue to be one of the strongest channels for water, wastewater, and stormwater projects, with states receiving annual allotments and distributing funds on their own schedules. EPA has also highlighted recent SRF funding announcements that include allocations for states, Tribes, and territories, reinforcing the continued scale and relevance of these funding streams.
SRF-supported priorities commonly include:
- Water/wastewater treatment upgrades
- PFAS and emerging contaminant mitigation
- Stormwater and sewer overflow improvements
- Lead service line replacement
- Distribution and collection system modernization
EPA’s $4B Annual Environmental Funding Continues Strong Cycles
EPA remains one of the largest and most consistent federal funders, awarding more than $4 billion each year in grants and assistance agreements to state and local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, and other eligible entities.
Many EPA opportunities recur over time, and preparedness is often the best differentiator especially for projects tied to compliance, resilience, stormwater, and environmental health outcomes.
What This Means for Municipalities and Tribal Nations
Taken together, these funding channels make one thing clear: 2026 isn’t just an application year; it’s a readiness year. Communities that prepare now are best positioned to move quickly as state programs, EPA regions, and recurring federal opportunities open funding windows.
What We’re Seeing in Successful Communities
Across the country, we’ve watched communities turn preparation into real results. Some can move quickly when funding windows open because they already have scopes, cost ranges, and key documentation in hand. Others reduce internal friction by using a simple one-page project summary to keep leadership aligned making it easier to respond confidently when opportunities surface.
In every case, the common thread isn’t community size or geography, it’s readiness.
5 Steady Steps Communities Can Take This Spring
These are not high-pressure tasks; just steady moves that consistently help communities compete and deliver successfully.
- Focus on your most fundable priorities (start with two): Instead of trying to advance everything at once, identify the two projects with the clearest community benefit and strongest alignment with funding priorities public health protection, regulatory compliance, resilience, or service reliability. These themes match closely with how SRF and EPA programs evaluate projects.
- Create a one-page project snapshot for each priority: Include the problem, proposed solution, location, rough cost range, schedule, benefits, and what’s already done. This helps with leadership alignment and speeds up applications.
- Connect early with the right funding gatekeeper: For SRF, processes vary and are administered by states. For certain tribal set-aside programs, coordination may occur through EPA regions (and often with IHS involvement for delivery).
- Do a quick readiness check before the window opens: Ask yourself: Do we have a clear scope? Current cost estimates? Environmental or permitting needs identified? A realistic schedule? SRF and EPA-funded projects often slow down when readiness gaps emerge late, catching them now keeps your team confident and proactive.
- Sketch a practical funding stack: Not every project will be a perfect match for a single grant. Many successful projects braid SRF loans with local funds and other state/federal sources. Even a rough outline helps councils weigh options and positions you to move faster when opportunities open.
A Final Encouraging Thought
Communities that make steady, manageable steps now rather than reacting once a NOFO appears tend to secure more funding, reduce risk, and deliver projects more smoothly. With SRF and EPA funding mechanisms remaining major infrastructure levers, readiness is still one of the most reliable advantages a municipality or tribal nation can build.
And if at any point you want a neutral perspective on where your projects stand or what documentation would strengthen your next submission, WSB is always here as a steady partner invested in your community’s long-term success.
