By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb says a $436 million federal loan will help finance 28 wastewater and drinking water projects in 20 communities across Indiana.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler joined Holcomb at the Statehouse on Wednesday to announce the loan through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The funding supports projects that will deliver clean water and protect public health.

Drinking water projects will include efforts to improve water treatment plants, storage tanks, distribution system components, wells and pump stations and water conservation measures. Wastewater projects will include efforts to increase capacity of wastewater treatment plants, tunnels to capture combined sewer overflows and collection systems.

The loan will save the Indiana Finance Authority an estimated $20 million compared to typical bond financing.