American Rescue Plan Act Elevates Access To Clean Water Services As National Priority

Statement from NACWA Praises Congress for Taking Key Step to Address Longstanding Needs of Public Clean Water Sector

This week, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act, legislation to deliver additional COVID-19 relief that contains $500M in assistance for low-income clean water customers and support for critical water and sewer investments. This water assistance funding comes in addition to the initial $638M provided in the December 2020 FY21 Consolidated Appropriations Act for a total of $1.138 B.

Additionally, the relief package makes clean water infrastructure needs explicitly eligible to access $350B through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which are intended to address COVID-19 expenses, lost state and local revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband.

Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, issued the following statement:

“The legislation signed into law today by President Biden makes it clear that water is a serious priority for this Congress and the Administration. In just three months, the federal Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Program (LIWCAP) now has over $1B in funding and public clean water utilities now are eligible to access historic levels of federal funding.

“Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has made clear the essential role of the clean water workforce and the services they provide to protect public health and the environment. Through their actions, Congress and the Biden Administration have provided a lifeline to thousands, if not millions, of Americans struggling to pay their water bills but there is more to be done.

“NACWA looks forward to working with Congress to further address the growing needs of the public clean water sector in President Biden and Congress’s upcoming infrastructure package.”

About NACWA
For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit www.nacwa.org.