Press Release
Public Clean Water Sector Applauds Senate for Passage of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
David Zielonka | Manager, Media and Communications
(202) 981-3786 | dzielonka@nacwa.org
Statement from NACWA Emphasizes Historic, Bipartisan Reauthorization of CWSRF
(Washington, D.C.) – On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to pass S. 914, the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA). This bipartisan, comprehensive clean water and drinking water infrastructure legislation will authorize strong annual water infrastructure investment to help boost federal water infrastructure investment, including the first-ever reauthorization of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) at a level totaling $14.6 billion over five years.
This legislation also authorizes a pilot program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable clean water services and directs the Agency to assess low-income water assistance needs around the country.
This package advances key funding priorities advocated by NACWA and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) through the Affordable Water, Resilient Communities campaign.
Adam Krantz, Chief Executive Officer of NACWA, issued the following statement:
“NACWA commends the Senate for this strong reauthorization on a bipartisan basis of the primary federal programs that help local communities finance clean water infrastructure. It is notable that this is the first major infrastructure legislation to pass the U.S. Senate this year and that it happened during Water Week – a time when the water sector comes together to celebrate its critical role in public health, environmental protection, and economic development.
“NACWA is also heartened to see the inclusion of a pilot program for a low-income household water assistance program administered by EPA included in this legislation with bipartisan support. Water affordability issues gained increased prominence during the pandemic and warrant continued attention by Congress.
“This legislation shows that water infrastructure investment is a bipartisan issue, and it can serve as an important foundation for including water as a major component in a broad infrastructure package. We look forward to further work with the Senate, the House and the Biden-Harris Administration on enacting historic water infrastructure investments.
“NACWA extends a special thanks to Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Chairman Duckworth and Ranking Member Lummis of the Fisheries, Water and Wildlife subcommittee for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan package through the U.S. Senate. NACWA also extends thanks for Senators Cardin, Wicker, and Stabenow for their longstanding work to draw attention to the challenges low-income households face with rising clean water costs and urging attention to this issue by U.S. EPA.
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About NACWA
For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal and communications 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 the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.