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

Background:

• The nation 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. The nation has staggering needs for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. 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 SRF program in recent years and should restore its funding level to a minimum of $1.35 billion. Further, Congress should maintain funding for the Safe Drinking Water SRF program to a minimum of $850 million. Even with these historical funding levels, the SRFs are significantly underfunded.

AGC Supported Legislation:

• H.R. 1262 - Water Quality Investment Act of 2009
  • Reauthorizes 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 $38.9 billion over five years for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and other water quality improvements.
  • Introduced May 7, 2009

Additional Information:

• 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)