Rothfus: Expand Local Government Access to Private Funds for Water Infrastructure Projects
Washington, D.C. – November 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] cosponsored the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Act of 2015 (H.R. 499) to allow local governments to more easily access private funds for waste water and water infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill would provide parity for waste water and water infrastructure projects funded with Public Activity Bonds (PAB) by uncapping the amount that municipalities can issue.
“Inflexible EPA policies have put heavy financial burdens on Western Pennsylvania communities by forcing them to spend large sums of money upgrading their water infrastructure. At a time when so many of our towns and cities are struggling in this economy, we need to look for ways to relieve the pressure placed on them by unaccountable bureaucrats,” said Congressman Rothfus. “This bill will make it easier for Western Pennsylvania municipalities to finance the improvements necessary to remain in compliance and provide clean water for generations to come.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that $682 billion in infrastructure improvements are needed during the next twenty years in order to meet their safe drinking water and sanitation standards.
Key organizations supporting H.R. 499 include National League of Cities, Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition, Associated General Contractors of America, American Council of Engineering Companies, Associated Equipment Distributors, and Laborers International Union of North America.
Mayor Donald L. Kinosz of the City of Lower Burrell supports Congressman Rothfus’ efforts on this legislation. Kinosz has serious concerns about the costs and burdens these EPA regulations are putting on his community. “We all favor clean streams. However, with rapidly rising healthcare and pension costs, we are not in a financial position to implement the requirements being placed on cities such as ours by regulatory agencies,” said Mayor Kinosz.
