The Senate on September 9 unanimously approved legislation that would allow states to transfer funds from their Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) balances to their Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for the purpose of addressing lead in drinking water.
Sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) S. 1689 would give states a one-year window within which to transfer up to five percent of their available CWSRF grant dollars to the state’s DWSRF program, if the funds are determined “necessary to address a threat to public health as a result of heightened exposure to lead in drinking water.” Any funds transferred would have to support eligible lead-reduction projects through principal forgiveness, negative interest loans, or grants. A state would be required to consult with the EPA administrator before deciding to transfer funds, but EPA’s approval would not be necessary.
The bill was approved by the Senate through an expedited procedure for noncontroversial legislation. In a statement, Sen. Booker said the bill would help communities like Newark that are working to replace lead service lines.