Water Infrastructure Funding May Be Insufficient

Funding slated for U.S. drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, as dictated by the Bush administration's fiscal year 2003 budget, may fall short of what's really needed, according to a recent statement released by the Water Infrastructure Network.

By Staff March 21, 2002

Funding slated for U.S. drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, as dictated by the Bush administration’s fiscal year 2003 budget, may fall short of what’s really needed, according to a recent statement released by the Water Infrastructure Network.

The Washington, D.C.-based coalition—made up of engineers, environmentalists, governmental officials, and drinking water and wastewater service providers—asserts that the proposed budget of $850 million for drinking water and $1.25 billion for clean water is insufficient to properly maintain and provide these services.

Based upon information from Senate Environment & Public Works Committee hearings last year, the U.S. may require $1 trillion over the next 20 years in order to repair and replace aging infrastructure. Consequently, WIN is appealing to Congress to commit $57 million over the next five years.

For more information from the Water Infrastructure Network, see www.win-water.org .