Senate EPW Advances Water Infrastructure Legislation

Yesterday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced out of committee two bipartisan water bills: America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020) and the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (DWIA 2020). ASDWA provided written testimony on the draft legislation last week.

AWIA 2020 provides approximately $17 billion in new federal authorizations to invest in infrastructure projects nationwide. The bill sets a two year goal for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete its feasibility studies for potential projects.

DWIA 2020 reauthorizes Safe Drinking Water Act programs that support drinking water infrastructure and provide resources and technical assistance to communities facing critical drinking water needs.

Both Senator Barrasso (R-WY) and Senator Carper (D-DE) highlighted the importance of safe drinking water to the economy in their statements, with Carper emphasizing the much needed improvements both bills will make to drinking water infrastructure across the country.

Currently no comparable legislation is on the House floor, though House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee could introduce its WRDA bill by the end of May with plans to mark it up this summer. For more information on the Committee’s passage of the bills, click here.