Recently, Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters introduced legislation, along with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and many others, to provide additional resources for water infrastructure in light of the crisis in Flint. The legislation, S. 2579, would provide:

• $100 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund for any state, such as Michigan, that receives an emergency declaration under the Stafford Act due to a public health threat from lead or other contaminants in a public drinking water supply system;
• $70 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) for low-interest loans for large water and wastewater infrastructure projects nationwide; and
• $50 million to support public health initiatives, such as lead poisoning prevention, research and health assistance.

A more robust description is attached below. The bill is currently “attached” as an amendment to an energy bill in the Senate. The hold up of its passage is Senator Lee (R-UT), who has placed a “hold” on the legislation, a procedural move prevent a vote. The National League of Cities is asking cities across the country to contact their Senators to help apply pressure and send a message that all cities stand together on the Flint crisis. We are hopeful that negotiations which are occurring while the Senate is on break will result in a positive outcome when they return next week.

DRINKING WATER SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE ACT – Summary (3 1)

Summer Minnick is the Director of External Relations and Federal Affairs. She can be reached at 517-908-0301 or sminnick@mml.org.