Contact Congress Immediately to Urge Water Infrastructure Investment 

Congress is considering various economic stimulus proposals in the house and Senate this week. Draft proposals thus far have indicated significantly lower than expected water infrastructure investment funding. ACWA is encouraging members to write to their Representatives and Senators urging Congress to include additional funds for water infrastructure in the stimulus bill.

ACWA is recommending the following funding levels in the stimulus legislation:

• At least $10 billion for the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and $10 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
• At least $500 million for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Recycling Program.
• At least $1 billion for Rural Water Loans and Grants.

For additional information or questions, contact David Reynolds, ACWA Director of Federal Relations, at 202.434.4760.

FILL IN THE BLANKS IN THE SAMPLE LETTER BELOW PRIOR TO CLICKING "Send This Message"!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

On behalf of (YOUR AGENCY NAME HERE), I urge you to include the following funding in the economic stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan:

$10 billion for EPA's drinking water state revolving fund and $10 billion for EPA's clean water state revolving fund. $500 million for the Bureau of Reclamation's Title XVI Water Recycling Program $1 billion for rural water projects at USDA and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Investing in EPA's state revolving funds would generate jobs and improve our nation's water infrastructure. In California alone, an estimated $8 billion worth of "shovel ready" drinking water and wastewater projects could begin within 120 days of receiving funds. These projects would generate jobs by replacing aging water pipes and expanding treatment facilities.

Reclamation's Water Recycling and Reuse Program projects improve water supply reliability and help alleviate water conflicts in the West. There are an estimated $500 million worth of projects throughout California that could begin within 120 days of receiving funds; generating jobs and reducing the State's dependence on imported Colorado River water and exports from the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta .

The USDA Rural Utility Service Program offers assistance to small public water and sewer systems serving less than 10,000 people. This program, along with the Bureau of Reclamation's rural water supply program, improve water infrastructure in rural communities. Both agencies have large project backlogs and $1 billion would reduce this shortfall.

Thank you for considering this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 26, 2009