May15, 2013
Diane VanDe Hei, Executive Director of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), released the following statement today following the U.S. Senate’s passage of S. 601, which included a “Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act” (WIFIA)” pilot program:
“Today’s Senate vote in favor of WIFIA represents a significant victory for communities across the country facing hundreds of billions of dollars worth of critical water infrastructure upgrades. WIFIA will help cities and towns get to work on a wide range of major water infrastructure projects while creating jobs and minimizing financing costs borne by ratepayers.
“While AMWA is excited about the Senate’s action, much work remains to be done. First, we hope members of the House of Representatives will include a similar WIFIA program in that chamber’s Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) legislation. And most importantly, we will work to ensure WIFIA remains in any final WRDA bill sent to the White House this year.
“AMWA would like to thank all senators who supported WIFIA, but we are especially grateful for the hard work of Senators Boxer, Vitter, and Merkley to include the proposal in S. 601. AMWA and our member utilities across the county greatly appreciate their leadership.”
The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies is an organization of the largest publicly owned drinking water suppliers in the United States.
Dan Hartnett
202-331-2820