Senate backs $9B water bill, includes $220M for Flint aid

WASHINGTON, DC, April 28, 2016 -- A Senate panel today approved a $9.4 billion bill to support the nation’s ports, waterways and clean water infrastructure. The the Committee on Environment and Public Works passed the funding as part of the Water Resources Development Act in a 19-1 vote. The bill identifies $4.5 billion worth of water-related infrastructure projects.

Also included in the legislation is $220 million in direct emergency assistance for Flint, Mich., and other communities where the drinking water supply is compromised, paid for by cutting funds from the Energy Department’s Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing Technology loan program.

The rest of the bill authorizes $4.9 billion for drinking water and clean water infrastructure over five years, and will next be sent to the full Senate for a vote.

The measure also would assist poor and disadvantaged communities in meeting public health standards, as well as promote innovative technologies to address drought and other critical water resource needs.