house resolution no.156

Reps. Neeley, Garza, Coleman, Haadsma, Whitsett, Witwer, Sowerby, Shannon, Rabhi, Cynthia Johnson, Tate, Gay-Dagnogo, Ellison, Camilleri, Pohutsky, Warren, Sabo, Brixie, Kuppa, Hoadley, Love, Hope, Peterson, Cherry, Greig, Koleszar, Lasinski, Pagan, Clemente, Wittenberg and Manoogian offered the following resolution:

A resolution to memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to increase federal investment in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

Whereas, A staggering $179 billion is needed over the next 20 years to fund improvements, upgrades, and repairs to water infrastructure in the Great Lakes Region. For Michigan alone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that water suppliers will need over $13 billion through 2034 for building and maintaining infrastructure; and

Whereas, State and local governments make significant financial investments in water infrastructure, but they cannot fund the needed improvements alone; and

Whereas, The federal government's contribution to water infrastructure has declined from 63 percent to 9 percent of capital spending since 1977, systematically underfunding public water infrastructure. Federal financing of state water infrastructure is vital to protect U.S. waters so they are fishable and swimmable and to ensure that all residents have access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. Crucial funding for water infrastructure is provided through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. These programs require continued support and significant funding increases to meet state needs; and

Whereas, Water infrastructure costs are passed on to those who can least afford it with water utility bills doubling and tripling in many cities over the last decade. Outdated and dangerous infrastructure, such as lead service lines, poses a significant public health risk, particularly for infants and children. These challenges are only expected to worsen as climate change pushes existing infrastructure to its limits; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to address the Great Lakes region’s need for $179 billion in investments for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the President and Congress to triple federal investment in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and continue to support and fund the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.