Reps. Sykes, Bresnahan Urge Appropriations Subcommittee Leadership to Fund Critical Water Infrastructure Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) sent a bipartisan letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership, urging Subcommittee Chair Michael Simpson and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree to allocate funding for critical water infrastructure programs as they draft the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. These programs strengthen national security, support economic growth, and ensure water remains accessible and affordable for all Americans. The lawmakers’ full letter is available here.
“The enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a much-needed boost to federal programs that support water infrastructure. However, the federal government must continue to prioritize strategic investments in water systems to enhance long-term sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. More than two million Americans still lack access to reliable running water, and millions more face challenges related to aging infrastructure and contaminants that pose risks to public health,” wrote the lawmakers.
“Investing in water infrastructure safeguards not only public health but also our economy. According to the May 2024 report "Bridging the Gap: The Power of Investment in Water" by the US Water Alliance, maintaining investment levels established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over the next two decades would reduce the water investment gap by $125 billion, decrease service disruptions to businesses reliant on water by 46% and generate substantial job growth and economic savings,” the lawmakers continued.
In their letter, the lawmakers specifically requested the below funding from programs in the in the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill:
- A minimum of $4.8 billion each for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs);
- $280 million for the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program;
- $73 million for activities carried out under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA); and
- $50 million for the Household Decentralized Wastewater System Grants;
This letter was signed by a group of 65 bipartisan Members of Congress and is supported by the following organizations: American Rivers Action Fund, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, American Council of Engineering Companies, National Municipal Stormwater Alliance, Water for People, Clean Water Construction Coalition, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated, & Clean Water Action.