Bipartisan Federal Water Infrastructure Funding Bill Signed Into Law

On Wednesday, the $6 billion America’s Water Infrastructure Act was signed into law.  The bill provides federal funding for inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, drinking water systems, promotes hydropower, funds for wastewater projects and other water infrastructure sending it to the President for his action.

A major provision of the bill encourages consolidation and partnerships in the fragmented water supply systems across the county.

“The U.S. water sector is enormously fragmented with over 53,000 community drinking water systems. To put that number in perspective, nationwide there are only 3,300 energy utilities. As a result, many smaller and municipally-owned water systems find themselves struggling to meet water quality standards, which puts community health at risk,” said NAWC president and CEO Robert Powelson. “Increasingly, some systems lack expertise and financial resources to operate and invest in their systems. Consolidation, partnerships and a more integrated approach can help achieve economies of scale and facilitate capital attraction, as well as technological and financial viability. The ‘America’s Water Infrastructure Act’ is a step in the right direction.”

Click Here for a summary overview, a section by section summary and the text of the bill prepared by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.