# Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program (SDWA 1459E) (66.445)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/66-445-innovative-water-infrastructure-workforce-development/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program (SDWA 1459E) is run by Environmental Protection Agency. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $19.4 million in 21 grants, about $923,809 per award.

## Objectives

To inform the public about the role of water and wastewater systems in their communities, increase awareness of career opportunities in the water utility sector, and provide exposure to water utility careers through various work-based opportunities. Funding priorities include, but are not limited to: (1) increasing awareness of career opportunities, and providing exposure to water utilities to address the workforce needs of water utilities; and (2) providing hands-on contextualized learning opportunities to assist the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0 | 0 |
| 2022 | $3.3 million | 9 |
| 2023 | $0 | 0 |
| 2024 | $16.1 million | 12 |
| 2025 | $0 | 0 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Rural Water Association | Oklahoma | $5.6 million |
| The Water Tower Institute, Inc | Georgia | $1.9 million |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Michigan | $1.5 million |
| Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated | District of Columbia | $1.2 million |
| American Water Works Association | Colorado | $1.1 million |
| Pacific International Center for High Technology Research | Hawaii | $1.0 million |
| Center for Watershed Protection, Inc. | Maryland | $999,520 |
| Nevada System of Higher Education | Nevada | $999,153 |
| City of Baltimore | Maryland | $914,500 |
| Multiplier | California | $760,463 |
| Wichita State University | Kansas | $719,318 |
| University of New Mexico | New Mexico | $600,000 |
| Rowan University | New Jersey | $499,999 |
| State of Oklahoma East Central University | Oklahoma | $499,998 |
| Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | Ohio | $494,874 |
| Syracuse University | New York | $314,079 |
| The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust | Washington | $202,229 |