SE North Carolina News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) emphasized the critical need to improve clean water infrastructure and protect against environmental degradation during today's Subcommittee hearing on "Clean Water Infrastructure Financing: State and Local Perspectives and Recent Developments." Chairman Rouzer expressed his eagerness to hear about the challenges faced by local communities in addressing the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure needs. He specifically highlighted the importance of water infrastructure financing, particularly the condition of the Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

"Our clean water infrastructure is something most Americans don't think about but rely on 24/7," said Chairman Rouzer. "But ask anyone who has ever dealt with a sewer backup how important wastewater infrastructure is. These systems are in desperate need of repairs, upgrades, or total replacement. Leaks and blockages are all too common across the nation, wasting a vital resource. The urgency is especially high for communities dealing with combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows."

Chairman Rouzer pointed out that small and rural communities face significant wastewater infrastructure deficiencies, with approximately 80 percent of the 16,000 private and public wastewater treatment systems serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. As an example, he highlighted the Town of Chadbourn in Columbus County, North Carolina, which has wastewater systems dating back to its incorporation in 1883. The Clean Water SRF program has enabled Chadbourn to maintain its systems while pursuing long-term solutions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Clean Water Needs Survey" report to Congress, the documented needs for sustainable wastewater infrastructure, sewer overflow correction, and stormwater management nationwide amount to at least $270 billion over the next two decades. In North Carolina alone, there is a documented need of $11 billion for clean water projects. Coastal and low-lying inland communities in Southeastern North Carolina, which frequently experience storms and flooding, require immediate repair and future mitigation of their water and drainage systems.

While acknowledging the importance of federal, state, and local investments, Chairman Rouzer stressed the need for new approaches to address these challenges. He highlighted the significance of integrated planning and greater regulatory flexibility to help communities meet compliance mandates, reduce financial burdens on ratepayers, and address their infrastructure needs effectively.

"The Clean Water SRF program, established in 1987, recognized that states and localities are best equipped to address their own clean water infrastructure challenges," Chairman Rouzer explained. "By implementing loan programs, states and localities can leverage more financial resources for decades to come. It is crucial that we maintain and abide by the intent of this loan structure to responsibly address wastewater infrastructure needs in the future. Diverting funds to grants will make the program unsustainable and ultimately help no one."

Chairman Rouzer expressed concerns about the current set-asides for grants and grant substitutes passed in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). He warned that these provisions could gradually drain the funds that states have been able to leverage through the traditional low-interest loan structure of the Clean Water SRF program. When combined with unfunded mandates and burdensome regulations, this could jeopardize the long-term viability of the program.

"Wastewater infrastructure is incredibly important for my constituents and those of every member of Congress," Chairman Rouzer stated. "The Clean Water SRF is a prime example of good public policy that keeps wastewater costs down and ensures reliable service for communities and ratepayers nationwide. To maintain a robust and effective clean water infrastructure, we need to address the challenges arising from recent legislative changes surrounding the Clean Water SRF program."

To learn more about today's hearing, including video recordings and witness testimony, click https://transportation.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=482353-71714029.

Sources:

- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: https://transportation.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=482353-71714029](https://transportation.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=482353-71714029