Support Expansion of the Federal Drinking Water and Waste Water Revolving Funds

Background:

The nationwide need for investment in water and wastewater infrastructure continues to far outpace the amount of funding that is available at all levels of government and the United States has an estimated need between $400 and $600 billion over the next 20 years for safe drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. One of the primary sources of federal funding for drinking water and waste water infrastructure are the highly successful, but chronically underfunded, Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) programs.

AGC Message:

Both Public and Private Studies Find Astounding Gaps Between Current Spending and Projected Needs. Modernizing and replacing aging water infrastructure may be the single largest public works endeavor in our nation's history. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Gap Analysis found a $540 billion gap between current spending and projected needs for water and wastewater infrastructure (combined) over 20 years. Other public studies conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and a private study produced by AGC partner, the Water Infrastructure Network, have similarly estimated the nation?s water infrastructure needs to range between $400 and $600 billion over a 20-year period.

Restore Funding to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Congress has cut funding to the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF programs in recent years. Congress must reauthorize and fully fund the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs to ensure consistency and give communities the ability to leverage federal dollars and plan capital improvements in order to ensure public health, safety and environmental quality.

AGC Supported Legislation:

• H.R. 5230 - Assistance, Quality, And Affordability Act Of 2010, or AQUA Act
  • The legislation authorizes $4.8 billion over three years for the EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF)
  • Passed House on July 30, 2010 on motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, by voice vote. AGC Key Vote.
  • Referred to Senate EPW Committee on August 5th, 2010 and awaiting consideration.
• H.R. 1262 - Water Quality Investment Act of 2009
  • Authorizes $19.4 billion over five years for wastewater infrastructure projects, including $13.8 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and $2.5 billion for the sewer overflow control grants program, two federal programs that provide financing for wastewater infrastructure upgrades, repair and reconstruction.
  • Passed House March 12, 2009 (317 - 101) AGC Key Vote
• S. 1005 - Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2009
  • Authorizes $39.191 billion over five years for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and other water quality improvements. $39.191 billion for EPA water infrastructure programs over five years, and includes $20 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, $15 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program and $1.85 billion for Sewer Overflow Grants.
  • Reported out of EPW Committee on June 15, 2009 and awaiting vote by full Senate.

Additional Information:

• Letter: 05/26/2010 - AGC letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of H.R. 5320
• Letter: 10/07/2009 - Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) letter in support of S. 1005
• Letter: 05/13/2009 - AGC letter to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in support of S. 1005
• Letter: 03/13/2009 - AGC Key Vote letter to U.S. House in support of H.R. 1262
• Letter: 03/09/2009 - Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) letter in support of the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009? ? H.R 1262
• Congressional Hearing: 01/19/2007 - The Need for Renewed Investment for Clean Water Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (AGC Statement)