Rep. Sykes Helps Lead Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs and Improve Clean Water Infrastructure for High-Need Communities

Rep. Sykes Helps Lead Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs and Improve Clean Water Infrastructure for High-Need Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Robert Bresnahan (PA-08) in introducing the bipartisan Affordable Clean Water Infrastructure Act. The legislation would promote clean water projects in rural, low-income, and high-need communities.

The bill strengthens the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), a federal-state program that provides low-cost financing for wastewater and stormwater projects. The legislation clarifies which projects are eligible, increases the maximum state contribution to reduce local costs, and adds a subsidy for rural, small, and Tribal water systems.

"Every community deserves clean, affordable, and reliable water infrastructure, whether they are large cities or small rural towns," said Rep. Sykes. "In Ohio, we have seen firsthand how investments through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund lower costs for residents and help cities like Akron modernize aging systems. The Affordable Clean Water Infrastructure Act strengthens this critical program by giving states more flexibility and ensuring that it helps reach the communities that need it most. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort that lowers costs, protects public health, and keeps our water systems strong for generations to come."

"Everyone deserves to have clean water. Too often, rural, poor, and tribal communities can't afford to invest in upgrades to their wastewater and stormwater systems. Our bipartisan bill will help the communities that need it most to upgrade outdated, unsafe water infrastructure," said Rep. McDonald Rivet.

"Across the country, aging wastewater and stormwater systems go unmodernized simply because communities can't afford it, leaving families with the consequences - Congresswoman McDonald Rivet and I are committed to changing that," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "Our bipartisan legislation frees up the state dollars already available, cutting costs for communities facing the greatest strain. By focusing support where it's most needed, long-delayed upgrades can finally move forward-with no new federal spending."

"Too many families in Northeastern Pennsylvania are paying more for water while living with aging infrastructure that's long overdue for upgrades. That's unacceptable," said Rep. Bresnahan. "The Affordable Clean Water Infrastructure Act finally delivers long overdue upgrades to rural and small communities' water systems and protects families who can't afford another increase. I'm proud to help lead this effort to modernize our wastewater and stormwater systems, strengthen public health, and ensure every community, no matter its ZIP code, can afford safe, reliable water service."

Key Improvements in the Bill

• Expands assistance for low-income households to afford essential wastewater and stormwater services.
• Increases the maximum state subsidization to 50% of CWSRF capitalization grants, requiring at least 20% be used for eligible subsidies.
• Adds an extra 10% subsidy for rural, small, and Tribal communities, which often face higher costs for critical water projects.

Ohio received nearly $90 million in CWSRF funding in FY25, including investments that helped Akron meet federal EPA requirements and reduce sewage overflows, such as low-interest financing for the Northside Interceptor Tunnel. Strengthening subsidies could help even more Ohio communities finance essential clean water projects.

The Affordable Clean Water Infrastructure Act is supported by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition.

Adam Krantz, CEO of NACWA, said: "The Affordable Clean Water Infrastructure Act is a smart, targeted effort to modernize and strengthen the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by helping ensure economically challenged communities receive the affordable wastewater and stormwater services they deserve. NACWA applauds this bipartisan effort to support economically vulnerable water systems and make our nation's clean water infrastructure more affordable and resilient."

Read the full text of the legislation here.