The U.S. Water for the Poor Initiative, announced in August 2002, is a $970 million, 3-year program that will provide up to 50 million people with clean water from 2003 to 2005.

In 2003, the U.S. is investing $217 million in 35 countries to improve water supply and distribution. The U.S. is also providing an additional $58 million in 30 countries to improve sanitation and wastewater treatment.

Over the next three years, the U.S. will leverage an additional $630 million in financing for investments through local capital markets. Past examples of U.S.-supported leverage include:

• In India, the U.S. leveraged $6.4 million in water-related financing, benefiting 593,000 citizens in Tamil Nadu with a $350,000 loan guaranty.
• In South Africa, the U.S. leveraged $500 million to expand and improve water and sanitation financing for four million urban poor with an $8 million loan guaranty.

The U.S. is one of the largest contributors to preserve, protect, and manage scarce water resources.

Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the U.S. Coastal Resources Management Program has revolutionized the management of over 3.5 million hectares of coastline.