Poor Communities Threatened by Aging Sewers See Crucial Aid Slashed Under Trump

January 12, 2026

Communities across the United States with outdated wastewater infrastructure, particularly in predominantly Black and impoverished areas, are facing severe sewage flooding and health crises that expose residents to untreated waste. The Trump administration has eliminated hundreds of millions in federal grants and loans that were allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address these disparities, including canceling the EPA's Environmental Justice office and funding for specific projects in Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois. While some federal financing options remain available, the poorest communities often lack the resources and expertise to successfully apply for complex loan programs, making outside assistance critical.

Who is affected

Residents of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, a mostly Black city where one-third live in poverty
Yvette Lyles and her family, and Patricia Johnson in Cahokia Heights
Residents of majority-Black Alabama counties (Lowndes and two others) lacking proper septic systems
Communities in Thomasville, Georgia, particularly those in historically Black neighborhoods
Residents of Shaw, Mississippi, a poor, majority-Black town (where 38% of children tested had intestinal parasites)
At least 17 million Americans served by wastewater systems violating federal pollution limits
Approximately 2.2 million Americans lacking adequate indoor plumbing
Hundreds of organizations that received EPA Environmental Justice grants
The Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program in Alabama
The Center for Energy and Environmental Justice in California
State Rep. Otis Anthony representing Shaw
Sherry Bradley, executive director of the wastewater program
Catherine Coleman Flowers and her Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice

What action is being taken

Cahokia Heights is working to divert floodwater and make repairs under a 2024 Justice Department settlement requiring an estimated $30 million in upgrades
The Trump administration is eliminating the EPA's Environmental Justice office and canceling grants to hundreds of projects
The Trump administration is proposing deep cuts to state revolving loan funds for drinking and wastewater projects
Congress is considering a compromise bill that rejects the deepest cuts but would allow lawmakers to direct about half the money to pet projects
The Trump administration is reviewing the FEMA infrastructure program
Money from earlier grants is currently installing about 30 more septic systems in Lowndes County (with 160 already completed)
COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act funding is making some sewer upgrades in Shaw, Mississippi

Why it matters

This situation represents a fundamental public health and infrastructure crisis affecting millions of Americans, particularly in poor and minority communities. Exposure to untreated sewage causes serious illnesses including intestinal parasites like hookworms, H. pylori infections, and intestinal inflammation, with studies showing 38% of children in one Mississippi town infected with parasites. The problem affects at least 17 million Americans served by wastewater systems violating federal standards, with needs estimated at $630 billion over the next two decades. The elimination of targeted federal assistance leaves vulnerable communities without the financial resources or technical expertise to address life-threatening conditions, perpetuating health disparities and denying residents basic dignity. These communities often cannot afford the oversized systems they inherited as populations declined, creating a cycle where the poorest areas with the worst problems are least equipped to access remaining funding sources.

What's next

Congress will decide on a compromise bill regarding state revolving loan funds
Cahokia Heights officials are seeking funding from FEMA's infrastructure program, which is under review by the Trump administration
The city continues working toward compliance with the court-mandated $30 million in upgrades
Shaw, Mississippi needs additional funding beyond COVID-era money for complete sewer system repairs
State health officials in Alabama are processing requests from 600 residents seeking septic system help
Approximately 30 more septic systems will be installed in Lowndes County with remaining grant money from earlier awards

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint