On March 12, 2009, The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to reauthorize two federal programs that provide financing for wastewater infrastructure upgrades, repair and reconstruction. The vote was 317 to 101 in support of H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009.
The bill would provide a total of $19.4 billion over five years in authorization of appropriations for wastewater infrastructure projects, including $13.8 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program. These funds provide low-interest loans and additional loan subsidizations to communities for wastewater infrastructure. Funds are distributed to states based on a statutory formula and are made available through the annual appropriations process. For a state-by-state breakdown of funding that is authorized, click here.
The bill also includes $2.5 billion for the sewer overflow control grants program. This program provides grants to communities to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), which are overflows of untreated waste that can occur during wet weather events. AGC remains concerned about the inclusion of Buy American provisions included in HR 1262 which are similar to language in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Commitee is expected to introduce companion legislation in the coming weeks.
For more information contact Perry Fowler at (703) 837-5321 or fowlerp@agc.org
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