Water Sector News
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NACWA joins coalition letter on Buy America requirements in IIJA
NACWA and other water sector organizations sent a letter last week to the Biden Administration regarding implementation of the Buy America, Build America (BABA) requirements that were signed into law as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The letter builds upon concerns the sector raised while IIJA was moving through Congress. While water – like many other sectors – raised concerns with various BABA provisions, Buy American requirements were a Congressional leadership priority and enjoy strong support from both parties.
With BABA signed into law, NACWA says its focus is now on working with the agencies charged with implementation to provide recommendations and address utility concerns regarding how the provisions could uniquely impact water infrastructure projects.
IIJA expanded Buy America requirements to all federal infrastructure investment programs moving forward and expands the requirements to manufactured goods. The White House established a Made in America Office, housed within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), during President Biden’s first week in office which will guide implementation.