Featured Stories
SBA Awards $5.3 Million to Expand National Women's Business Center Network
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Awards $5.3 Million to Expand National Women's Business Center Network
New Centers Will Support Women Entrepreneurs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia
October 2, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced five grant recipients under its new Women's Business Center (WBC) Modernization Initiative, awarding a combined $5.3 million to expand statewide support networks for women entrepreneurs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas,
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Awards $5.3 Million to Expand National Women's Business Center Network
New Centers Will Support Women Entrepreneurs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia
October 2, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced five grant recipients under its new Women's Business Center (WBC) Modernization Initiative, awarding a combined $5.3 million to expand statewide support networks for women entrepreneurs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas,and West Virginia. The Initiative is designed to augment resources in states where existing WBC funding has not kept pace with the number of women entrepreneurs.
"Nearly four decades ago, President Ronald Reagan helped establish the Women's Business Center Program to help women entrepreneurs start, grow, and compete," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Today, the Trump Administration is building on that legacy by modernizing the program and expanding its reach in states where demand for WBC services has outpaced existing resources. Through coordinated statewide networks, these awards will bring counseling, training, and access to capital closer to the women starting businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities."
Building on the SBA's nationwide network of 138 existing Women's Business Centers, the Modernization Initiative funds private organizations that will create State Lead Centers supported by local Service Centers. This new model, which is funded by statutorily obligated funds, will bring counseling, training, and technical assistance closer to women entrepreneurs. Each State Lead Center will serve as a statewide hub, working with local Service Centers to deliver assistance directly to entrepreneurs - reducing fragmentation, improving coordination and efficiency, and ensuring that women business owners can more easily access the SBA's resources at every stage of business ownership.
The Women's Business Center Modernization Initiative grant recipients are as follows:
Florida Institute of Technology Inc.
Geographic Scope: Florida
Total Proposed Budget: $1,540,617
Description: Florida Tech educates global thinkers, resilient problem solvers, and future leaders, ready to support industry and societal needs by responsibly integrating science, technology, and other key disciplines. Florida Institute of Technology Inc. has expertise in supporting entrepreneurs and growth-oriented small businesses throughout Florida's Space and Treasure Coast regions through programs designed to scale with businesses. Florida Institute's trademarked IGNITE 360(TM) program provides eight unique programs to support every business stage by providing clients with the resources and coaching in a timely manner. In addition, through continued partnership with Florida Tech's Vertex Applied Innovation hub, Florida Institute can provide capabilities to support innovative business acceleration, applied research, and the launch of advanced manufacturing ventures.
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Women's Business Enterprise Center East
Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania
Total Proposed Budget: $930,077
Description: WBEC-East is an advocate for small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey. Through certification, entrepreneurial education, training, networking, and strategic partnerships, WBEC-East helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale successful businesses. WBEC-East supports entrepreneurs through workshops and consulting in supply chain readiness, certification, government contracting, business growth strategy, and access-to-capital education. WBEC-East connects Pennsylvania's entrepreneurs with corporate, government, and economic development partners that fuel America's industrial growth and competitiveness.
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Proof Programs
Geographic Scope: Tennessee
Total Proposed Budget: $494,329
Description: Proof Programs strengthens entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities through practical education, technical assistance, capital-readiness support, rural business development, and coordinated partnerships. Proof Programs will provide women entrepreneurs in all 95 counties with a coordinated entry point to counseling, training, capital preparation, and specialized resources. Through virtual services, regional Service Centers, local outreach, and referral partnerships, access will be expanded in rural and economically distressed communities while strengthening coordination among existing providers.
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Better Business Bureau Education Foundation
Geographic Scope: Texas
Total Proposed Budget: $2,084,765
Description of Training Services: The Foundation for Better Business (FBB) propels the potential of Texas entrepreneurs by delivering essential education, vital resources, and powerful networks that spark growth, fuel leadership, and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Texas. Through its affiliation with BBB Heart of Texas, which is staffed by more than 100 employees, FBB draws on an established 105-county platform, relationships with more than 14,000 Accredited Businesses, and a record of delivering scalable entrepreneur education throughout Texas.
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Economic and Community Development Institute Inc.
Geographic Scope: West Virginia
Total Proposed Budget: $250,000
Description: ECDI of West Virginia will bring unique value to the state by serving some of the state's rural and underserved areas. The region's limited broadband access and dispersed population centers create barriers to entrepreneurship that are not as prevalent in more suburban or urban areas. The programming offered by ECDI is tailored to address unique geographic challenges in West Virginia. By meeting clients where they are, whether through in-person outreach in county seats, hybrid programming, or virtual services designed around limited connectivity, ECDI will ensure that geography and infrastructure gaps don't determine who gets to start, sustain, or grow a business.
This Modernization Initiative operates as a stand alone project and does not change existing WBC funding. All 138 current WBCs remain in the program and continue receiving their FY26 base awards under their existing cooperative agreements. In states selected to participate in the Initiative, Lead Center awards will overlay current funding. Questions about these grant opportunities should be directed to the Women's Business Ownership Office at owbo@sba.gov.
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About the Women's Business Ownership Office (WBOO)
The Women's Business Ownership Office (WBOO) mission is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through outreach, education, and support. Since it was established in response to an Executive Order in 1979, WBOO has provided training, counseling, technical assistance, access to credit and capital, as well as marketing opportunities to women.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/10/02/sba-awards-53-million-expand-national-womens-business-center-network
National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
October 1, 2026
Kirk Johnson announced today that he will step down as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History after 14 years in the role, as he prepares to join the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as its next president and CEO.
An advocate for science, nature and the power of museums to influence the future, Johnson joined the National Museum of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
October 1, 2026
Kirk Johnson announced today that he will step down as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History after 14 years in the role, as he prepares to join the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as its next president and CEO.
An advocate for science, nature and the power of museums to influence the future, Johnson joined the National Museum ofNatural History in 2012. Prior to arriving at the Smithsonian, he served as vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
At the National Museum of Natural History, Johnson has led the efforts to leverage the museum's collection of more than 148 million objects and specimens to expand the scientific knowledge of the natural world and its cultures and pique the curiosity of millions of visitors about their planet and their own backyards.
As director, Johnson has overseen one of the world's preeminent centers of natural history research, whose scientists published more than 11,000 peer-reviewed papers and named over 4,000 species during his tenure. He helped lead the establishment of new research initiatives, including Our Unique Planet, Ocean DNA and the museum's Human Dignity Program. He has strengthened partnerships with federal agencies including NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2023, Johnson led an international effort to quantify the specimens housed in 73 of the world's largest natural history museums resulting in a global database that contains more than a billion objects.
Johnson has placed great emphasis on ensuring a welcoming and meaningful experience for the museum's 4 million annual visitors. During his tenure, Johnson oversaw the renovation of "The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time," the construction of the Ocean Terrace Cafe under the life-size model of an ancient Megalodon shark and the addition of accessible walkways leading to the museum's National Mall entrance. In celebration of the nation's 250th birthday, he presided over the installation of three larger-than-life bronze bison flanking the south entrance. The renovation of the museum's historic auditorium is underway.
Johnson has also been a champion of communicating science to a broader audience through popular books, lectures, museum exhibitions, documentaries and collaborations with artists. He has hosted several PBS shows, including Making North America, The Great Yellowstone Thaw; Polar Extremes; Ice Age Footprints; and Walrus: Life on Thin Ice.
Ensuring the museum's long-term financial health has been a top priority for Johnson. Since becoming director, he has raised over $300 million for the museum and grown its endowment by 450%--from $82.7 million to nearly $380 million.
"Throughout Kirk's tenure, I have been inspired by his extraordinary passion for scientific discovery and the natural world," said Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian. "As a scientist, geologist and gifted communicator, he has captivated audiences and visitors--from dinosaurs and fossils to the changing landscapes around us--and sparked curiosity through his enthusiasm, expertise and leadership."
"Kirk Johnson has made an indelible mark on the National Museum of Natural History--fostering a dynamic atmosphere encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning," said Matt Kelly, chair of the museum's advisory board. "Working closely with our board, Kirk has been tireless, and hugely successful, in his efforts to raise the necessary resources to ensure a bright and thriving future for this incredible American institution."
"Leading the National Museum of Natural History has been a tremendous honor and an utter delight," Johnson said. "I have really enjoyed working with the museum's staff and board to create a sense of awe and wonder about the science and nature of our planet. I have always loved natural history museums and there's nothing like working here--at the nation's museum--which has allowed me to play host to thousands of research scientists and millions of visitors. This museum is a forever place, and its future is bright."
Johnson will depart the National Museum of Natural History at the end of the calendar year. An interim director and search process will be announced at a later date.
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About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth's unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its website, blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/national-museum-natural-historys-sant-director-kirk-johnson-depart-denver-museum
IDB to Support Improvements to the Electricity System in Santa Catarina, Brazil
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB to Support Improvements to the Electricity System in Santa Catarina, Brazil
October 01, 2026
WASHINGTON - The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved financing for a Global Multiple Works Program (GOM) of $243 million aimed at improving the electricity system of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
The operation will finance investments to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electricity distribution system and facilitate access to electricity
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB to Support Improvements to the Electricity System in Santa Catarina, Brazil
October 01, 2026
WASHINGTON - The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved financing for a Global Multiple Works Program (GOM) of $243 million aimed at improving the electricity system of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
The operation will finance investments to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electricity distribution system and facilitate access to electricityservices in rural areas.
The program will benefit 7.3 million people served by Centrais Eletricas de Santa Catarina - Distribuicao S.A. (CELESC-D), the main state-controlled electricity distribution company, through a more resilient and reliable power service.
Among the beneficiaries are 11,743 rural households, which will gain access to distribution networks capable of supporting the development of agro-industrial activities. In addition, CELESC-D will benefit from strengthened institutional and technical capacities.
The planned investments will enhance the capacity, reliability, and operational modernization of CELESC-D's distribution system and include the construction of new substations and the modernization of existing ones, the construction of new distribution lines, and the incorporation of operational and digital technologies, including energy storage systems, mobile substations, and smart meters.
The program will also finance equipment for a new integrated control and operations center, as well as operational and technical strengthening activities, including technical studies, works supervision, and the development of operational protocols for responding to extreme events.
The $243 million financing has a 24.5-year repayment term, a 6-year grace period, an interest rate based on SOFR, and a local counterpart contribution of $62.6 million. Following approval by the IDB Board of Executive Directors, the program will move forward through the legal and administrative processes required in Brazil before implementation begins.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-support-improvements-electricity-system-santa-catarina-brazil
EPA Notifies States of Potential Designations for the Biden EPA's Flawed 2024 Air Quality Standard Following Appealed Court Order
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Notifies States of Potential Designations for the Biden EPA's Flawed 2024 Air Quality Standard Following Appealed Court Order
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EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and 67 Tribes of the agency's intended approach for area designations under the Biden-era 2024 revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) despite EPA's belief
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Notifies States of Potential Designations for the Biden EPA's Flawed 2024 Air Quality Standard Following Appealed Court Order
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EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and 67 Tribes of the agency's intended approach for area designations under the Biden-era 2024 revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) despite EPA's beliefthe designations should not move forward. To assist in further analysis, EPA is providing an opportunity for states, territories, and Tribes to submit additional information within 30 days. The agency is also publishing a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register opening a 30-day public comment period for all Americans to provide feedback. These opportunities for further input represent a step toward complying with a court order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California requiring EPA to designate areas as attainment, unclassifiable, or nonattainment under the 2024 PM2.5 NAAQS by February 6, 2027.
Since day one, the Trump EPA has maintained the position that the Biden Administration's 2024 PM2.5 NAAQS is unlawful on multiple grounds. In 2020, EPA concluded after the "thorough review" of available science required by the Clean Air Act (CAA) that the 2012 PM2.5 standard set by the Obama Administration protects public health with an "adequate margin of safety." In 2021, however, the Biden Administration broke with fifty years of precedent by "reconsidering" and revising the standard without doing a thorough review required by law. The resulting 2024 PM2.5 NAAQS-which were set without fully considering the available science or taking into account the severe consequences a rushed revision would have on Americans-is the most stringent in history and approaching natural levels.
In a brief filed today with the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States joined a broad coalition of States and associations in urging the Justices to review the 2024 standard; once again acknowledging that the 2024 PM2.5 NAAQS did not comply with statutory requirements. In addition to the unlawful and scientifically unsound nature of the underlying standard, EPA is concerned that the court-ordered deadline leaves insufficient time to consider critical information relevant to particular areas.
Additionally, due to significant wildfires, concerns with the accuracy of air monitors, and the need to evaluate new data, EPA believes the designation timeline set by the court is unrealistic and could cause further harm. On September 2, 2026, EPA appealed the district court order imposing a rushed deadline for the agency to designate all areas by February 6, 2027. The agency requested, and the Ninth Circuit granted, expedited consideration of the case. However, while the appeals are pending, EPA is taking the actions required under the CAA to meet the court's deadline. Absent further action by the judiciary, the agency intends to meet the current, court-ordered deadline for finalizing designations based on monitoring data from 2023-2025 and other relevant available information.
The Trump EPA has been committed to making every decision based on the best available science and the best reading of the law. A rushed decision to revise the NAAQS, as well as a rushed timeline for designating all areas of the nation under an unlawful standard, goes against these principles.
Details on the potential designations and EPA's responses to initial area designations submitted by states, territories, and Tribes are accessible on the EPA designations webpage.
#Background
Under the CAA, when EPA establishes a new or revised NAAQS, governors and other leaders submit initial designations for areas within their states or tribal area. Areas can be designated as attainment, meaning they meet the air quality standard; nonattainment, meaning they do not meet the air quality standard; or unclassifiable, meaning there is not enough monitoring data or other information to make a determination. If EPA intends to modify an initial area designation, the agency must notify that governor or respective leader at least 120 days before finalizing the designation. EPA is fulfilling this obligation today by notifying states, territories, and Tribes of potential modifications to their initial designations.
In November 2025, EPA confessed error before the D.C. Circuit, admitted that the 2024 PM2.5 NAAQS was unlawful, and urged the court to vacate the standard. The D.C. Circuit denied EPA's motion, rejected similar arguments by a broad coalition of states and associations, and sided with intervenors who argued that the statute allows the agency to act outside statutory requirements and without considering relevant factors. States and industry petitioners have asked the Supreme Court to review and overturn the D.C. Circuit's decision.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-notifies-states-potential-designations-biden-epas-flawed-2024-air-quality-standard
EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi Announces Over $90 million for Restoration and Clean Water in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi Announces Over $90 million for Restoration and Clean Water in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
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SMITHFIELD, Va. - During an event at the Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield, Virginia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi was joined by U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and others to announce more than $90 million for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. EPA is awarding $37 million with an additional $53 million in funding coming
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi Announces Over $90 million for Restoration and Clean Water in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
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SMITHFIELD, Va. - During an event at the Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield, Virginia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi was joined by U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and others to announce more than $90 million for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. EPA is awarding $37 million with an additional $53 million in funding comingfrom other agencies to implement 83 new projects that will support critical restoration and provide long-term water quality improvements.
"Through these grants, EPA is working collaboratively with our local partners to deliver practical restoration solutions that improve water quality, restore habitat, and support the vital Chesapeake Bay watershed. These improvements will have a significant impact of the more than 1,800 local communities that depend on the watershed to support their economies," said EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi. "This type of funding has a proven track record of delivering tangible environmental results and is a shining example of taxpayer dollars being put to accomplishing EPA's core mission."
"Preserving the health of the Chesapeake Bay is critical to the communities and native species who call Coastal Virginia home," said Representative Kiggans. "I'm grateful to the EPA, NFWF, and James River Association for supporting commonsense conservation efforts that protect our waterways and strengthen our coastal communities. I want to thank Deputy Administrator Fotouhi for joining us in Virginia's Second District to celebrate this investment, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Deputy Administrator and the EPA to advance practical solutions that preserve the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come."
The projects being supported today emphasize the Trump EPA's cooperative federalism approach to engaging local communities in the planning, design, and implementation of community-level clean water projects that will improve soil quality, install physical barriers, and restore habitats. Since 1999, EPA has partnered with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to award over $800 million across more than 2,000 grants, resulting in the reduction of nitrogen pollution by more than 40 million pounds, the restoration of over 3,000 miles of streamside forests and 9,500 acres of wetlands, and the treatment of stormwater runoff from over 23,000 acres of impervious surfaces.
The Trump EPA is committed to safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay to both protect human health and the environment and grow the booming economies that come from it. Having clean and accessible water is essential to everyday life. This $90 million will benefit communities from farmers to homeowners, churches, businesses, and municipalities with improvements to local water quality that will also help restore the Chesapeake Bay. This investment bolsters the robust economies of the more than 1,800 communities that the Chesapeake Bay watershed supports and ensures that the families and nearly 18 million people living in the watershed continue to prosper.
Please see a complete list of the 2026 Small Watershed Grants (SWG) (pdf)Exit EPA's website recipients.
Please see a complete list of the 2026 Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) (pdf)Exit EPA's website recipients.
Background:
Today's grants were awarded through the SWG and INSR programs, a core part of the federal-state Chesapeake Bay ProgramExit EPA's website partnership administered under NFWF's Chesapeake Bay Stewardship FundExit EPA's website (CBSF). CBSF is a partnership between NFWF and EPA that provides grant funding, technical assistance, and networking and information sharing in support of local, on-the-ground conservation and restoration efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams under the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed AgreementExit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-deputy-administrator-fotouhi-announces-over-90-million-restoration-and-clean-water
EPA Announces $272 Million WIFIA Loan to Support Drinking Water in Columbia, Tennessee
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $272 Million WIFIA Loan to Support Drinking Water in Columbia, Tennessee
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EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $272 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the city of Columbia, Tennessee, known as "Muletown," with a population of about 50,000. This loan will help Columbia implement expansions to its drinking water system, increasing capacity and system reliability to deliver
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $272 Million WIFIA Loan to Support Drinking Water in Columbia, Tennessee
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EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $272 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the city of Columbia, Tennessee, known as "Muletown," with a population of about 50,000. This loan will help Columbia implement expansions to its drinking water system, increasing capacity and system reliability to deliversafe drinking water throughout the city and nearby rural communities. The Trump EPA's investments in America deliver on the agency's "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative, which advances public health while powering the American economy.
"Working on this WIFIA Loan with Columbia, Tennessee, has helped advance the Trump EPA's goal of making sure water is working for Main Street USA," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. "Ensuring safe drinking water is critical to supporting growing populations and growing economies like in Columbia. This $272 million WIFIA loan will help us do just that and continues to prove that we can protect public health while bolstering local economies."
"We are proud to proactively take steps to complete this necessary project to ensure the long-term viability of clean drinking water in our region," said Jack Baxster, Interim CEO and President for Columbia Power & Water Systems. "Capitalizing on the most advantageous available financing, such as the WIFIA loan, we are locking in future savings for our ratepayers."
The city of Columbia will use WIFIA financing for its Long Term Water Supply Program, which will expand its drinking water system to continue providing water for its growing regional population. This project includes construction of a new raw water intake structure, transmission main, and improvements to the system's existing water treatment plant. Through these upgrades the city will increase drinking water supply reliability for its customers and provide water to rural communities within the city's service area.
EPA's WIFIA loan enables Columbia to meet increased demands due to population and economic growth while delivering for its communities and businesses. The program will provide Columbia flexibility through the ability to customize repayment schedules - saving the city millions over the life of the loan. Additionally, this project is expected to drive meaningful economic impact and support a substantial number of jobs during the construction process and beyond.
Since issuing its first loan in 2018, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $24 billion in financing for water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 177,000 jobs. Through its flexible financing features and competitive interest rates, WIFIA helps communities save money, and even accelerate water infrastructure investments.
WIFIA has approximately $11 billion in flexible financing available to support additional water infrastructure projects across the country, including in small communities and rural America where WIFIA can finance up to 80% of project costs. To help small communities access WIFIA funding, the agency recently announced a commitment to waive WIFIA application and credit processing fees. Additionally, the agency's State WIFIA program has approximately $3 billion available for loans to state infrastructure financing authorities. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for funding through WIFIA and State WIFIA.
Learn more about EPA's WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments, including how to submit a letter of interest.
#Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The program aims to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-272-million-wifia-loan-support-drinking-water-columbia-tennessee
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"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
October 1, 2026
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host its annual "Air & Scare" family day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. At this year's event, visitors will explore the spooky side of air and space with candy stations and science activities for all ages inside the museum and outdoors. Attendees will be required to reserve free
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
October 1, 2026
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host its annual "Air & Scare" family day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. At this year's event, visitors will explore the spooky side of air and space with candy stations and science activities for all ages inside the museum and outdoors. Attendees will be required to reserve freetimed tickets for the outdoor portion of the event in advance. Tickets are not required for the indoor Air & Scare activities or for touring the museum's exhibits.
Visitors can expect spooky discoveries and science fun as aerospace comes alive in Halloween-themed activities designed with the whole family in mind. New this year, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the Air & Scare Runway costume fashion show. Other activities will include trick-or-treat stations with free candy and snacks; creepy crafts, spooky experiments, challenges and fun demonstrations; special story times and puppet shows for the youngest Halloween revelers; photo opportunities with Star Wars characters; and more. The program will take place rain or shine. Some outdoor activities may be cancelled in the event of rain.
Free timed tickets are required for all attendees of the outdoor activities and can be reserved on the museum's website starting Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. ET. Admission is free, but parking is $15 until 4 p.m. Public transportation is also available via Metro's Silver Line and the Fairfax Connector bus.
Attendees are encouraged to come in their favorite space or flight-themed costume, or costumes of any kind safe for trick-or-treating. Real and costume weapons are prohibited. Halloween masks are prohibited inside the museum; visitors 15 years and younger may wear them at the outdoor portion of the event.
"Air & Scare" is made possible by Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC. For more information and highlights of activities, visit the museum's website.
The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are not required for regular indoor visitation and parking is $15. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located on Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/air-scare-event-returns-national-air-and-space-museums-udvar-hazy-center-oct-24
