Today, the U.S. Senate approved Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (DWWIA 2021) by a bipartisan (89-2) vote. The $35 billion bill would boost funding for existing water infrastructure projects across the United States, including upgrades to aging infrastructure, addressing climate change and resources for underserved communities. More than $14 billion will be set aside for small, disadvantaged, rural, and Tribal communities through subsidized state revolving fund loans, and direct grant programs that expand technical assistance and training.

Amendments to the bill included a text change from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and a requirement to study the reasons communities come under boil water orders from Sen. John Kennedy’s office.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Read more about today’s vote here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/us/politics/senate-water-bill.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur