News
Water infrastructure legislation headed to the senate
A bill that would authorize $17 billion for various infrastructure projects across the country was passed by the Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday. America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020, approved on a 21-0 vote, will now head to the Senate floor.
The legislation would address concerns related to floodwaters, ports, and inland waterways. It would also adjust the funding cost-share model for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and authorize studies and some reports by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The National Grain and Feed Association praised the committee for approving the legislation. In a statement, the association said adjusting the cost-share formula would expedite projects and bring the US inland waterways transportation system into the 21st century.
The committee also passed the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020. The legislation would authorize $300 million in grants and would reauthorize Safe Drinking Water Act programs and provide resources to communities facing critical drinking water needs.
The bills were introduced by Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Tom Carper of Delaware, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Ben Cardin of Maryland, and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.
