Contact: Bruce Cuthbertson 212-225-5355

Washington, Apr 29, 2001 - All of us want clean water, but sometimes we forget that it comes at a price. Our local officials haven’t forgotten, though. In fact, they’re calling on Washington for help in meeting the many expensive clean water mandates that the federal government places on them.

One local mayor spoke for many when he wrote me that “We have a great need for additional sources of affordable financing for our community’s sewer and storm water facility development needs.”

So I am pleased to report that I’m cosponsoring legislation in the House that would not only make more money available for local storm water and sanitary sewer needs, but also eases the burdens communities face due to federal red tape.

The bill I’m backing, H.R. 668, is a companion to that introduced in the Senate by my friend and colleague George Voinovich. This measure would provide $3 billion annually over the next five years in grants to states who in turn loan money to local communities to make needed improvements to their wastewater facilities. For us in Ohio, the bill would double the authorized amount of funding currently available.

While the needs of our local communities have increased over the years, money made available through this loan program has not kept up with them. Funding currently stands at $1.35 billion.

Meanwhile, Governor Bob Taft tells me that in Ohio alone, local communities face needs totaling $6 billion for improvements including the need for adequate wastewater treatment in under-served areas, combined sewer overflow control, protection of drinking water sources and aging municipal facilities. One estimate compiled several years ago put the cost of needed improvements nationwide at nearly $140 billion. Next year, the EPA is expected to release new projections that are significantly higher.

There’s more to this bill than just money. It also directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to work with states to simplify procedures for smaller communities in applying for aid through the loan program. At the same time, it gives financially distressed communities longer periods of time to repay loans. This point is particularly important, as longer repayment periods mean the rates users pay can be kept at more affordable levels.

It’s our smaller communities that I’m most concerned about. Often, they have older wastewater systems that are expensive to improve. Their problems are compounded by the fact that residents simply cannot afford to foot the bill for requirements Washington wants them to meet. I’ve already heard from officials in Buckeye Lake about this dilemma. I know there are others facing the same thing.

Cleaner streams, rivers and lakes for all of us to enjoy. More money and less red tape for communities facing federal clean water mandates. Ensuring that rates are kept at reasonable levels. This bill is a winner on all three counts. It should be a priority for congressional action this year.

Finally, a reminder that if you have questions or comments regarding pending legislation, I’m anxious to hear from you. Write me at 508 Cannon Building, Washington, D.C. 20515.