NUCA Statement About Senate EPW Committee Hearing On Water Infrastructure

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) issued the following statement by NUCA Vice President of Government Affairs Zack Perconti regarding the April 30 hearing in the Senate EPW Committee, “Building on the IIJA Successes”:

“NUCA strongly believes that the 2021 infrastructure law is delivering what it promised, but Congress must follow through on those commitments to help us build for the future. Our industry and America’s communities are calling on Congress to reauthorize both State Revolving Fund programs discussed in today’s Senate hearing at or above IIJA levels.

“In addition, Congress must fully appropriate funding at authorized levels for FY 2026: at least $3.25 billion for both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF. These resources will address many immediate needs but are just a start.

“Beyond FY2026 and the end of the current IIJA authorization, long-term SRF funding is essential for strategic planning and to meet America’s water infrastructure needs. Many water utilities, some with systems over a century old, face mounting repair costs and difficulty keeping up with the cost of compliance with state and federal standards. The EPA estimates over $1.2 trillion water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years – and at current rates, the investment gap is in the hundreds of billions.

“Sustained and increased SRF commitments enable communities to prioritize projects, access affordable financing options, and avoid costly emergencies. Long-term planning also fosters innovation and fuels economic growth in communities both large and small across America. Congress should heed the advice of NUCA and today’s hearing witnesses and fully support these two vital EPA programs by committing to a robust, multi-year reauthorization for water infrastructure.”