APWA Urges Congress to Pass Water Infrastructure Legislation

The American Public Works Association (APWA) and other key water groups are urging Congress to include water infrastructure provisions as part of a final Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill this year. The 12 water organizations support a bipartisan compromise of the WRDA bill with measures to invest in our nation’s water infrastructure, and to help communities meet their safe and clean water obligations.

These organizations include APWA, the American Society of Civil Engineeers, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Regional Councils, National Association of Water Companies, National League of Cities, National Rural Water Association, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Water Environment Federation and WateReuse Association.

The Senate’s WRDA package includes reforms and investments to help ensure clean and safe water is being provided throughout the country. Specifically, Title VII includes reforms to the Clean Water Act to address ratepayer affordability challenges, a provision to enable communities to consider more innovative approaches in addressing clean water needs, and increased authorizations for investments to support clean and safe water infrastructure.

“On behalf of more than 29,000 public works professionals across North America, APWA applauds the recent successes in both Congressional chambers on WRDA legislation,” said APWA Executive Director, Scott Grayson. “Public works professionals who plan, build, design, and maintain water infrastructure urge Congressional leaders to pass a final 2016 WRDA package that includes the Title VII provisions supported by all 12 key water organzations. With authorization for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects, and the inclusion of provisions for safe drinking water and clean water, a final WRDA bill this year will help address these challenges in our nation’s water infrastructure,” Grayson said.