Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2019

EPA Funding Bill Includes Key Provisions for Public Clean Water Sector 

(Washington, DC) – Today the Senate passed the 2020 Interior-Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) applauds Congress for its decision to provide substantial funding for a variety of initiatives that are critical to the continued success of the public clean water sector. The final language includes an additional $200 million in EPA funding, for a total of $9.06 billion. Of this total funding, $1.6 billion is for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), $28 million for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Control Grants, $1 million for the Water Workforce and Infrastructure and Utility Development Grants; as well as language to ensure timely implementation of the Integrated Planning Clean Water Act Amendment that passed in January.

“NACWA has worked tirelessly with both the House and Senate during this process to ensure that the needs of the public clean water sector are met,” says Adam Krantz, the CEO of NACWA. “The legislation passed today provides new funding for key clean water priorities while also underscoring the importance of allowing communities the freedom to better sequence and prioritize their obligations and investments under the Clean Water Act’s Integrated Planning provision. The inclusion of the sewer and stormwater grant funding is especially noteworthy as it signals Congress’s recognition that federal grant dollars – and not just loans – are critical to addressing our nation’s clean water infrastructure needs.”

NACWA thanks the committee members and chairs who championed this legislation, as well as our member utilities who worked to inform their members and communities.

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Media Contact: 
David Zielonka | Manager, Media and Communications
(202) 981-3786 | dzielonka@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 shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.