Reps. Sykes, Williams Introduce the WISE Act to Permanently Guarantee Federal Funds for Clean Water Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency (WISE) Act. The bill will permanently set aside 20 percent of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for sustainable water infrastructure projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides states with funds for water quality projects at the state and local level and is the largest source of federal financing for clean water infrastructure projects.
“All Ohioans deserve access to clean water, but our aging infrastructure threatens the health and safety of our communities,” said Rep. Sykes. “The WISE Act will build upon the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investments to strengthen our water systems by ensuring critical funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is used to build resilient water infrastructure that safeguards our environment. As the Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am proud to support innovative efforts like these that improve the quality of our water and environment.”
“Clean water is an environmental justice issue. The health of all communities, especially the most marginalized communities, are at risk when they lack access to clean water. But I am dedicated to finding permanent infrastructure solutions to help everyone lead healthy, happy lives – no matter your ZIP Code or bank account,” said Rep. Williams.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 required Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs to use a certain portion of their funds for green infrastructure projects. Since 2009, the set aside has been implemented annually but has varied in size – in some years it was as high as 20 percent, but in many years, it was set at 10 percent. The WISE Act ends this yearly uncertainty and provides greater predictability for states investing in clean water infrastructure.