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HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE CALLS FOR CUTS TO CLEAN WATER SRF
Lawmakers have historically supported the status quo in funding levels even though recent administration budget figures have requested cuts in funding. Despite this past Congressional support, the trend is clearly toward eroding dollars for the SRF programs.
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The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, chaired by Congressman Charles Taylor (R-NC) approved their funding bill for fiscal year 2006.
The bill funds the Interior Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, programs for American Indians and arts programs. Members sought to add money to the administration's request for environmental programs including brownfield remediation, Superfund toxic waste cleanups and homeland security initiatives. Partly to offset these increases, the panel provided:
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA) has circulated subcommittee allocations for consideration by the Full Committee next week. The allocations are not official until they are adopted by the Full Committee and may be adjusted several times throughout the year. Chairman Lewis issued the following statement regarding the allocations.
“These allocations represent my best attempt to distribute the limited resources available in a fair and fiscally responsible manner. I made some adjustments to make up some shortfalls created by unfeasible fee proposals and assumptions in the President's budget. I also shifted a small amount of funds from the defense subcommittee to other national security functions in the budget while maintaining the same level of budgetary resources proposed by the President. Domestic discretionary spending (non-defense and non-homeland) will be reduced below last year’s levels. This will be a difficult budget year and these allocations will necessitate some tough choices. I am committed though to moving all of our bills through the House by the July 4th break. This will give the Senate ample time to move its bills and facilitate the completion of our work on time and under budget.”
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Last year, Congress cut funding to the Clean Water SRF by $250 million, the first cut to the program since 1997. The consequences of this cut were felt in all 50 states, where water infrastructure projects awaiting funding were delayed or canceled.
AGC AGC ACTION:
AGC, along with industry partners, and in coalition with the Water Infrastructure Network and the Clean Water Council have been promoting the restoration of these funds lobbying lawmakers, Congressional staff and encouraging constituent contact with legislators asking that these critical funds be restored.
AGC strongly supports high funding levels for the SRFs. While important, these funds do not begin to address the staggering needs for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure dollars. The U.S. EPA's Clean Water & Drinking Water Infrastructure Gap Analysis found a $535 billion gap between current spending and projected needs for water and wastewater infrastructure (combined) over 20 years.
Appreciating the trend toward eroding SRF funds, AGC is promoting the concept of a trust fund to address this critical public health need and is a leader of an industry coalition crafting a legislative initiative to address the problem. A long-term, sustainable, off-budget funding mechanism to address this enormous shortfall will be needed if we are to safeguard the over 250 million Americans are served by the over 54,000 community drinking water systems.
There is significant public support for the creation of this trust fund for clean and safe water. View recent polling conducted by noted pollster Frank Luntz showing that an overwhelming majority – 86% – support legislation by the U.S. Congress that would create a long-term, sustainable and reliable trust fund for clean and safe water infrastructure.
Upcoming Events of Interest on Capitol Hill
· May 18 – Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: When the Well Runs Dry, a panel including AGC partner the Water Infrastructure Network discussing federal funding initiatives including the SRF programs and establishment of a trust fund for water and wastewater infrastructure - 12 noon - 902 Hart Senate Office Building
· May 19 - Subcommittee on Water Resources And Environment Hearing on Financing Water Infrastructure Projects - 2 PM 2167 Rayburn House Office Building
AGC will continue to urge Congress to make water and wastewater infrastructure a top priority, and to help states and local communities meet water quality standards to restore the health and safety of our nation's waters.
To learn how you can help, contact Stu Megaw at 703/837-5321 or megaws@agc.org.
Contact your Members of Congress. Visit AGC’s Legislative Action Center to urge them to support Clean and Safe Water.
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