Katko’s bipartisan, bicameral bill authorizes $50M in grants for smart water technology

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Nov. 30 introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would modernize local water systems via $50 million in grant funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Today I introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to protect access to clean water in central New York,” Rep. Katko said on Tuesday. “My bill, the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021, will expand on local efforts to develop and deploy smart water technology in central New York. By making this technology more widespread, we will be taking meaningful steps to improve water quality and bolster the reliability and sustainability of our water systems.”

The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021, H.R. 6088, which Rep. Katko cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize grants for smart water infrastructure technology, among other provisions, according to the congressional record bill summary. U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and James Risch (R-ID) on Nov. 30 introduced the companion bill, S. 3282, in their chamber.

Specifically, the bill authorizes $50 million in EPA grants to support investments in the deployment of smart water technology to support the efforts of local companies to develop technology that modernizes water infrastructure, protects against emerging contaminants, and promotes sustainable water management, according to information provided by Rep. Katko’s office.

H.R. 6088 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, while S. 3282 is under review by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.