Examination of the Relationships Between Public Funding for Water and Sewer Infrastructure and Indicators of Need in the Appalachian Region

Decreasing federal public investments in water and sewer (W&S) infrastructure have created a $300 billion to $1 trillion gap over the next 20 years. With the value of public funding programs in question, the demonstration of measurable results is required.

This analysis examines the relationship between public funding distributions and eight indicators of need in Appalachia for W&S infrastructure. Four years of public funding transactions from 48 programs were collected.

Need indicators include: income, EPA Needs Survey results, combined sewer overflow systems, wastewater treatment compliance, septic system density, waterborne disease outbreaks, drinking water system compliance, and race.

Three multivariate regression models are reported in terms of a funding program manager’s survey. Relationships between funding distributions and wastewater plant compliance, waterborne disease outbreaks, and the EPA Needs Survey were identified. In addition targeted eligibility criteria and applicant prioritization revisions were developed for each Federal funding program.

This thesis written by Matthew Richardson, is available in its
full text here, and his findings are summarized in a presentation here and a five page summary document here.

For more information, please contact Matt Richardson at mattrich@email.unc.edu.

Other links:

ARC Project: Water and Sewer Needs and Capital Finance Strategies in Appalachia

ARC Project: Additional Analyses and Research Findings

ARC Project: Financing Water and Sewer Services

ARC Project: Regional Characteristics

Map of Locations for Community and System Level Case Studies