NACWA lauds WIIN Act passage

Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) congratulated Congress for passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, and expressed hope for more discussion and action.  The package authorizes nearly $10 billion in federal investment, which NACWA said will help water utilities better manage Stormwater flow — keeping communities safe — and help develop alternative water supplies to deal with persistent drought, ensuring water supplies are safe.

Specifically, NACWA is pleased that the package:

• reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Program, and Columbia River Basin Restoration Initiative;
• provides funding to advance water infrastructure research and the use of innovative water technologies;
• 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.

“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.”