Katko’s bipartisan, bicameral bill would modernize U.S. water systems

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Jan. 30 introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would pump up federal investment in thousands of water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the United States, including in his district of Central New York.

“In Central New York and communities nationwide, we need to focus on updating our water infrastructure systems to ensure safe, reliable drinking water is available,” said Rep. Katko.

If enacted, the Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now (SRF WIN) Act, H.R. 4902, would amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to give state infrastructure financing authorities more ways to receive loans under the law and state revolving funds, among other purposes, according to the text of the bill.

“I’m proud to introduce this innovative, bipartisan legislation, and hopeful for the prospect of billions of dollars in new water infrastructure investment. These funds could prove extremely helpful as communities throughout our region work to update and maintain water systems,” Katko said.

The federal project approval process also would be streamlined for thousands of projects already vetted, according to a summary provided by Katko’s office.

H.R. 4902 also would help states save some money. For example, if states bundled their projects together, the $100,000 application fee would be waived. And as an incentive to bundling, the application process would be limited to a 180-day turnaround time, according to Katko’s office.

“America’s water systems are in crisis,” said U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who joined Katko in introducing the bill. “Estimates show that up to $1 trillion may be needed to meet the demands of the next 25 years. Our legislation will help close that gap, rebuild and renew America, and help to ensure that no American family has to worry about the safety of their water.”

Central New York government and business figures welcomed the bill as they grapple with their water systems.

“The biggest challenge the City of Oswego has at this time, like many upstate New York communities is our aging and deteriorating municipal infrastructure,” said City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow, who added that Katko’s legislation would provide much-needed funding to repair and replace what the local government can’t afford to do on its own.

Likewise, the additional funding proposed under H.R. 4902 would ensure “that we can continue investing in our water systems for every resident and business,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

“With an estimated one-in-seven New York schools with unsafe drinking water and a multi-billion-dollar investment needed in our clean water infrastructure, now is the time to properly restore critical water infrastructure funding,” said Mike Elmendorf, president and CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State. “We applaud Rep. Katko’s ongoing efforts to protect every New Yorker’s access to clean, safe water and look forward to continuing our partnership on this important issue.”

H.R. 4902 awaits consideration by the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy and Commerce.

An identical Senate bill, S. 2364, was also introduced on Jan. 30 by U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and has been referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.