Clean Water Current

Senate Democrats today released an infrastructure investment proposal and related bill that would pump hundreds of billions of dollars into infrastructure projects nationwide, including $110 billion specifically for drinking water and clean water investments.  In releasing their “A Blueprint to Rebuild America's Infrastructure” and related fact sheet, the Senators proposing the initiative noted President Trump’s commitment to greater infrastructure spending during the campaign and highlighted how their proposal would help large cities and rural areas alike address the challenges of aging infrastructure.  

The specific water-related aspects of the plan call for greater investments in the clean water and drinking water state revolving funds, more flexibility for states to provide these funds as grants and not loans, decreasing the required match from local funds, and increased funding for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.

Although this proposal currently has the support of Democrats only, it could serve as a starting point for discussions with the White House on a large-scale infrastructure package.  NACWA is also pleased to see such a significant funding number in the proposal for water investment.  The Association will continue bipartisan discussions with members of Congress and the Trump Administration to ensure that water is included as a significant component of any eventual infrastructure bill.