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NACWA CEO Looks Forward to Comprehensive Infrastructure Deal to Provide Critical Clean Water Investments

(Washington, D.C.) – On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, which included key provisions authorizing substantial new funding for critical clean water programs.  

This wide-ranging infrastructure authorization package combines two pieces of legislation championed by NACWA, H.R. 1915, the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021, and H.R. 3293, the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021.

The Invest in America Act includes the first-ever reauthorization of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) at a historic level of $40 billion over five years, reauthorization of the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants at $2 billion over five years, as well as support for the role that clean water investment plays in building resilient communities. These are the transformative levels of federal investment America needs to truly prioritize public health and environmental protection. 

NACWA, along with the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, have together advocated tirelessly in support of a permanent low-income water customer assistance program through their Affordable Water, Resilient Communities campaign.

NACWA is hopeful that the clean water authorizations in this legislation will lay the groundwork for direct investments in clean water as part of any comprehensive infrastructure bill sent to the President’s desk this year.

Adam Krantz, Chief Executive Officer of NACWA, issued the following statement:

“NACWA applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for advancing this critical clean water legislation. The historic reauthorization of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, among other provisions in this legislation, make it clear that Congress is working hard to support strong, resilient clean water infrastructure in communities across the country.

“NACWA thanks the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, especially Committee Chair Peter DeFazio and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair Grace Napolitano, for their hard work on this legislation. NACWA also applauds Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester and John Katko for their tireless work towards the creation of a permanent, reliable, and fully funded low-income water customer assistance program. The costs of clean water have grown significantly, and while programs exist for helping Americans afford other essentials, such as nutrition and home energy, no similar permanent program has yet been enacted for water.

“The authorizations passed today will unmistakably help communities in their effort to provide reliable public clean water services for all customers, and for low-income households to afford them. However, there is still much to be done to truly close the clean water infrastructure funding gap. NACWA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to help advance these pieces of legislation and remains hopeful that this critical need will be addressed in any upcoming comprehensive infrastructure package.”

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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.