Sen. Franken Helps Pass Job-Creating Water Infrastructure Bill that Benefits MN

Bill Supports Lake Superior Region, Invests in New Infrastructure Projects, Provides Funding to Replace Lead Pipes & Ensures Healthy Drinking Water

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Sen. Al Franken said he pressed to pass a major water infrastructure bill in the Senate because it not only creates jobs, modernizes community water systems, and makes the nation’s waterways more navigable, but it will also bolster investment in clean drinking water and in efforts to replace dangerous lead pipes.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) supports restoration efforts on Lake Superior, which Sen. Franken has long fought for, and includes resources for local governments and states to build modern water infrastructure projects. The new bill would make our country’s drinking water safer by providing federal funds to replace lead pipes and by supporting new lead testing measures.

The measure also includes a provision championed by Sen. Franken to strengthen “Buy America” rules, a long-time priority of his. The provision will help ensure that U.S. iron and steel is used in projects funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

“Investing in our water infrastructure is good for our economy, creates jobs, and improves public health, which is why I fought so hard to get this bill passed in the Senate,” said Sen. Franken.“This year, during my ‘Rural Infrastructure Listening Tour’ of Minnesota, I heard from many communities who are waiting for help to do things like build a new wastewater treatment plant or replace pipes and sewer systems. And these projects are especially important right now, after Flint shined a light on a national lead problem that demands action.

“This comprehensive bill will inject new federal support into Minnesota: for infrastructure projects like dredging, for repairing locks and dams, and for building treatment plants. The legislation also helps ensure clean drinking water and provides important support to restore Lake Superior.

“This is a good bill for Minnesota, and I’m going to be fighting to get it passed into law.”

You can read a summary of the bill by clicking here.