April 10, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 62 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE ACT

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                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, in its most recent annual infrastructure 
report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gives our nation's 
drinking water and wastewater systems a grade of D and D- respectively, 
meaning they are in fair to poor condition. For the state of Arizona, 
drinking water and wastewater systems rank slightly better, C- and C 
respectively.
  Over the next 20 years, Arizona will have $1.93 billion in drinking 
water and $6.77 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs. 
Unfortunately, small and rural communities across Arizona often lack 
the financial resources to do the necessary repairs and replacement of 
their aging infrastructure. To help address these infrastructure 
challenges, I am introducing the Environmental Infrastructure 
Assistance Act to provide federal assistance through the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers for the communities in Arizona.
  The bill would provide financial assistance to public entities, in 
the form of design and construction for water-related environmental 
infrastructure, and resource protection and development projects. 
Projects could include: wastewater treatment and related facilities; 
water supply, storage, treatment and related facilities; environmental 
restoration; and surface water resource protection and development. 
Additionally, funds could be used for technical assistance for water 
planning and access to water resources.
  The Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act would provide another 
resource for communities to use to meet their water infrastructure 
needs, and I am pleased to have the support of the Rural Water 
Association of Arizona and the Arizona Water Association for this 
legislation.
  It is my hope that as we focus on infrastructure this Congress that 
we make sure investments are not only made in our roads, bridges and 
airports, but that we also address water infrastructure needs of 
communities in Arizona and across the country.

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