WASHINGTON, DC, DECEMBER 13, 2016 -- The Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which incorporates WRDA and other water-related legislation, cleared the US Senate by a vote of 78-21 after passing in the US House of Representatives last week. It now awaits the President's signature.
The package authorizes nearly $10 billion in federal investment. Among the projects to receive funding under the act are stormwater management projects, initiatives to help develop alternative water supplies to deal with persistent drought, and over 30 port, levee and dam projects. Water associations across the nation applauded the bill's passage this week.
"Passage of the WIIN Act demonstrates that investments in clean and safe water resources continue to be a top priority for Congress and is an issue that enjoys broad bi-partisan support," said Adam Krantz, CEO of NACWA. "The investments that will be made as a result of this legislation will help communities across the country provide safe and clean water to its citizens. We look forward to building on this progress next Congress, and with the in-coming Administration, as further investment in our water infrastructure will be worked on, and is still needed."
In addition to providing funding for water infrastructure improvements and research, the act reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Program, and Columbia River Basin Restoration Initiative; disburses critical resources to help communities provide safe drinking water, including grant financing to remove lead service lines; and provides funding to help communities expand water supply through investments in water recycling and desalination.
Jon R. Runge, CAE, President of the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) also released a statement praising the passage of the act.
"We applaud Congress on passing this major infrastructure bill," his statement read. "Once signed by the President, WIIN will provide funding for projects throughout the country, and much needed reforms to promote repair and replacement of our nation's aging infrastructure. We hope the passage of this bill sets the stage for a continued effort to address this nation's water infrastructure. We are encouraged by the commitment of the new administration to infrastructure investment, and look forward to working with the administration and Congress on improvements to water infrastructure. This is important as we move forward in safeguarding our nation's health and economic vitality through infrastructure that delivers clean water, now and for the next century to come."
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