Carper announces bill for new water funding

Sen. Tom Carper was in Milford April 23 to announce a new federal bill that would provide $36 billion in government funding for water infrastructure projects.

The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 authorizes $30 billion in funding for state clean water and drinking water revolving funds, and an additional $6 billion in grant funding. Carper said the bill is largely aimed at small, rural communities and gives states more money to loan to counties and municipalities for wastewater, water and sanitation services. He said the funds will help replace aging infrastructure, address climate change and invest in new technologies. 

The bill is a bipartisan project of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, which Carper chairs. On April 27, the bill was granted cloture by a 92-2 margin with six senators not voting, meaning the bill will be considered by the full Senate. 

“We’ve taken a lot of input from our states and members of our committee that have jurisdiction on water issues. We’re going to go back to the old-fashioned way: working together,” Carper said. 

On a micro level, the bill will provide more money for state revolving funds, which are typically loans to help finance water infrastructure projects. In Delaware, these loans are given by the state Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, which prioritizes projects, and sets interest rates and repayment terms. 

The new bill keeps that basic structure in place but now provides more resources and additional avenues for project funding through the $6 billion in grants, which do not have to be repaid. 

David Baird, president of the National Rural Water Association, a nonprofit group that supports rural water and wastewater professionals across the country, said, “This investment in our nation’s water and wastewater utilities will enhance public health benefits, promote environmental stewardship and serve as a catalyst for economic development opportunities in communities across the United States.”

“From Blades to the city of Wilmington, every Delawarean – and every American – regardless of ZIP code, deserves clean drinking water,” Carper said. “This forward-thinking legislation will make investments into our nation’s much-needed water infrastructure projects so our communities have reliable, clean water and the means to pay for it.”