The National Assn. of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) applauded Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY) and Rep. John Duncan (R-TN) for introducing the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act of 2016. This bill builds on previous legislative efforts to create a dedicated source of funding for the nation's water infrastructure—the importance and timeliness of which is only elevated by the recent crisis in Flint, Mich.
Dedicated revenue for the nation's clean and safe water infrastructure, which faces a funding gap in the hundreds of billions of dollars according to numerous reports, is poised to be a central issue as discussions advance over potential tax reform efforts. Opportunities will arise for new revenue, whether through the repatriation of foreign funds, a future carbon tax or a voluntary approach as highlighted in the bill. These funds must be targeted to rebuilding America's infrastructure, including our water and wastewater infrastructure.
Of equal importance, however, is that the bill directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study examining the affordability challenges faced by low-income populations in paying for drinking water and wastewater services, setting the stage for a much-needed national dialogue on how a local-state-federal partnership can be re-established to address these growing affordability challenges that are at the heart of the investment gap.
The study authorized by this bill directs the EPA to work with states to examine the affordability gap faced by low-income populations in obtaining water services, and also present options to provide federal assistance to struggling low-income ratepayers that would spur and incentivize local governments to raise rates to levels that reflect the true value of water and ensure the long-term sustainability of these systems.
Source: NACWA
