WASHINGTON
– U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and
Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Environment
and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, are
working together to expand federal resources available to water systems across
the country to increase their resiliency or adaptability to increasing natural hazards.
Their legislation introduced this week, S. 2636, Clean Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability
Act,
will help communities prepare their drinking water, wastewater and stormwater
infrastructure to meet the threats posed by increasing instances of extreme
weather and changing hydrological conditions.

“Marylanders
have witnessed the dangerous consequences of extreme weather and we know that
preparation is one of the best ways to mitigate future disasters,” said Senator Cardin.  “We all need clean, safe water during good
times and emergencies. As a country, we must better prepare our water systems
for the increasing instances of more frequent and severe floods, record-setting
rainfall, wildfires and other natural disasters that lie ahead. Our bipartisan
legislation takes an important step toward shoring up America’s aging water
infrastructure.”

“West
Virginians know all too well how flooding can affect infrastructure. I’m proud
to join with Senator Cardin in this legislation that will help communities
better prepare for the costs associated with natural disasters. By improving
the resiliency of our water infrastructure, we’re working not only to mitigate
costs, but also prevent infrastructure emergencies in the future,” said Senator Capito.

The Clean Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act, includes two
authorizations: $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020-2024 to create a
federal program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to
help communities strengthen the resiliency of their publicly owned treatment
works against the threats of natural hazards. The measure also reauthorizes the
expanded Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability program at
an equal amount, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020-2024. Grants will be
awarded on a competitive basis for activities to increase resiliency or
sustainability such as water conservation, water use efficiency, watershed
protection, and modification or relocation. The bill provides a 75-25 cost
share between the federal government and the partner agency.

S. 2636 has the
support of the following national and regional organizations:

·        
American Public Works Association

·        
Association of California Water
Agencies

·        
Association of Metropolitan Water
Agencies

·        
Association of Regional Water
Organizations

·        
California Association of Sanitation
Agencies

·        
National Association of Clean Water
Agencies

·        
Water Environment Federation

·        
WateReuse Association

·        
US Water Alliance

·        
Water
Utility Climate Alliance

###