The untapped potential in using more data to plan, build and operate water systems could save billions

The Environmental Protection Agency has broken new ground in the latest loans it cleared under its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, or WIFIA, program.

But review will take six to 24 months to determine whether public-private financing is workable on the projects.

A $19.1-billion package has $3.3 billion for Corps civil works and $2.7 billion for DOD to rebuild storm-battered bases.

Key appropriators slam proposed $2-billion, or 31%, reduction in civil-works program.