​The United States Senate approved $1 million in federal funds for a new national grant program backed by the SFPUC to support much needed training and career development for employees in the water and wastewater industries. This competitive grant program was championed by the SFPUC and other national utility partners in last year’s America’s Water Infrastructure Act. 

One million dollars has been approved for appropriation for the competitive grant program, which will help train workers to build and repair important water systems throughout the country, while providing pathways to careers with competitive wages and benefits.

Eligible grant recipients include nonprofits, labor unions, community colleges, and other training and educational institutions partnering to address the workforce needs of water utilities. Grants would be awarded for a variety of uses including training programs for mission critical skilled trades and regional collaborations to support water and wastewater workforce development activities.

Included in those programs is the agency’s Social Impact ​​Partnership​ Program, which invites private sector firm partners to give back locally to the communities in which they are performing work on behalf of the SFPUC. The SFPUC is the first public utility in the country to implement a social impact program that advances corporate social responsibility as a part of its competitive bidding process for professional services, alternative delivery and energy contracts valued at $5 million or more.