Press Release
Clean Water Funding Investment Bill Introduced in Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2019
Clean Water Funding Investment Bill Introduced in Congress
Bill Promotes Water Quality, Boosts Economy, and Relieves Ratepayer Burden
(Washington, DC) - The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) joins other major clean water organizations in supporting the bipartisan introduction of the Water Quality Protection and Jobs Creation Act of 2019. NACWA has long advocated for key funding reauthorizations and increases included in the bill. The legislation would provide a major increase in authorized funding for federal clean water programs—including the largest increase ever for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund—to help ensure that communities across the country have the resources they need to invest in improving aging infrastructure, addressing emerging water quality challenges, and delivering reliable clean water services at rates that are affordable for all.
The legislation, introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR 4th Dist.), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA 32nd Dist.), Don Young (R-AK At-large Dist.) and John Katko (R-NY 24th Dist.), demonstrates a strong bipartisan sentiment to collaborate on infrastructure issues, and specifically on clean water, this Congress.
“NACWA applauds this significant bipartisan effort to reaffirm the federal commitment to investing in clean water and addressing our nation’s infrastructure challenges,” says NACWA CEO Adam Krantz. “This legislation authorizes essential federal investment for critical clean water infrastructure programs, ensuring that public water service providers—and the communities they serve—will have the tools they need to maintain and improve their systems protecting public health, the environment, and a strong economy.”
The bill reauthorizes several core programs that provide financing and technical assistance to local communities. These programs help local communities better manage the substantial costs associated with maintaining aging infrastructure and complying with the federal Clean Water Act. The federal government’s share of total national investment in water and wastewater is presently below 5 percent, meaning local ratepayers overwhelmingly bear the cost of construction, operations, maintenance, upgrades and compliance.
“As communities in every region are asked to do more with less, Congress’s move to increase the federal government’s investment-share in the delivery of clean water is a positive development,” Krantz continues.
NACWA thanks the bill’s sponsors and has issued a letter of support—co-signed by major organizations within the clean water sector—in advance of a public hearing on the legislation in the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on Thursday, March 7, 2019.
NACWA looks forward to working with Congress to advance this critical legislation.
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Media Contact
Tony Viardo
NACWA | Director, Communications & Marketing
(202) 258-8287 | tviardo@nacwa.org
About NACWA
For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to represent every utility as a NACWA member, helping to build a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.