Senate EPW Committee Approves $38.9 Billion Water Authorization

On May 14, 2009, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed S.1005, the Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2009 with a strong bipartisan vote of 17-2. The bill authorizes $38.9 billion for EPA water infrastructure programs over the next 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.  AGC supports this substantial increase in funding for our nation’s water infrastructure. Several amendments were adopted during the markup process, including adding Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, updating EPA affordability guidance, and authorizing a study on the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in waters of the United States. Largely due to the diligence of AGC and our WIN Coalition colleagues, the bill does not include any Buy American provisions, unlike companion legislation passed by the House of Representatives. AGC and the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) Coalition will be working to raise awareness and garner support for passage by the full Senate and will be calling on AGC members to contact their Senators and urge support. This is companion legislation to H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009, which authorized $19.4 billion over five years in of appropriations for wastewater infrastructure projects, including $13.8 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF).  For additional information please  contact Perry L. Fowler at (703) 837-5321 or fowlerp@agc.org.