ACWA Advocates for Federal Investments in Water Infrastructure by ACWA Staff Mar 17, 2021 Water News WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the past week, both the U.S. House and Senate held hearings on improving and investing in water infrastructure. These hearings, in conjunction with infrastructure meetings at the White House, set the stage for a large infrastructure package that includes water to develop this year. On March 11, the House Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee met for a hearing titled “Build Back Better: Building Resilience for the Economy, Climate, and Ecosystems.” One of the invited witnesses was Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen. Keppen provided testimony to the Subcommittee which focused on the need to reauthorize the WIIN Act, address increasing drought in the west, and invest in the aging infrastructure account. Additionally, Keppen highlighted a western water infrastructure coalition comprised of more than 200 agricultural organizations, urban and rural water districts, including ACWA. The coalition continues to organize and advocate for a suite of tools including improving water conservation, recycling, watershed management, conveyance, desalination, as well as groundwater and surface storage and more. Keppen noted two letters sent by the coalition to the Hill and the Biden Administration which outlined the need for all of the available tools to water managers in addition to federal financial support and timely completion of water projects through streamlining regulatory and permit processes. Overall, Keppen’s testimony was well received and the hearing offered a productive conversation between Congressional members and experts in the water sector. The full Subcommittee hearing and additional witness testimony can be viewed on the House Natural Resources Committee website. Similarly, today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee met for a hearing titled “Examining the Challenges Facing Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects.” The hearing covered a range of topics, many of which were previously addressed during the House Subcommittee hearing. From investing in water and wastewater infrastructure programs, to addressing COVID-19 debt and shutoffs, senators asked witnesses what is needed from Congress to ensure reliable water supply and delivery for the nation. California’s newest Senator, Alex Padilla, focused his remarks on equity saying. “I wanted to raise the issue of equity when it comes to water service, water infrastructure and cost,” Padilla said. “If infrastructure isn’t equitable, it’s not affordable.” Padilla also noted the need for renewed investment in infrastructure to meet regulatory standards, continuation of service and ratepayer assistance for disadvantaged communities, and addressing climate change. The full Committee hearing, as well as information on witnesses and testimony, can be viewed on the Senate Environment and Public Works website. ACWA is closely tracking the development of an infrastructure package this Congress and will continue to participate in coalitions that advocate for investment in various water infrastructure programs.
