(Washington, DC)-This week, Rep. Jason Altmire (PA-4), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, voted for three bills that will help ensure clean water is available to Pennsylvania's families by authorizing over $15 billion in low interest loans and grants for critical water infrastructure needs.

"Western Pennsylvania's aged water infrastructure is in critical need of investment and modernization," said Rep. Altmire.  "These bills promote public health by helping communities prevent sewer overflows, preserve the environment and help states and municipalities pay for critical infrastructure improvements that would otherwise be financially impossible."

"H.R. 569 is especially important for western Pennsylvania's municipalities who have some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation," Rep. Altmire stated.  "This bipartisan bill, which authorizes $1.8 billion to prevent dangerous sewer overflows, will help local governments stop sewage and untreated waste from flowing into our streets, basements, rivers and lakes."

"In addition to supporting these bills, I will fight to reject the President's budget proposal to cut more than $15 million in clean water funds from Pennsylvania," added Rep. Altmire.

The House of Representatives considered the following bills on clean water: 

• H.R. 569, Reauthorizing Sewer Overflow Control Grants, passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 367 to 58.  The bill authorizes $1.8 billion in grants to communities over the next five years to address a major public health issue caused by sewer overflows.
• H.R. 700, Reauthorizing Pilot Program for Increasing Usable Water Supply, passed the House Thursday by a vote of 368 to 59.  The measure authorizes $125 million to fund projects that increase communities - usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
• H.R. 720, Reauthorizing Clean Water State Revolving Fund, passed the House Friday by a vote of 303 to 108.  H.R. 720 authorizes $14 billion in loans to communities to pay for building and improving wastewater treatment facilities.