Alaska water infrastructure and business risks report – Federal spending bill threatens 15 water infrastructure projects supporting jobs and economic development

Projects in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer and more at Risk of Being Derailed by Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

JUNEAU, ALASKA (December 6, 2023) – A new report identifies multiple water infrastructure projects in Alaska that are at risk of being delayed or canceled if Congress approves the House FY24 appropriations bill. The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC) today released the findings of a study that illustrates the risks to thriving business, job creation and local economic growth by identifying the specific water infrastructure projects and regions that will be impacted should the FY24 House Interior-Environment Appropriations bill and its historic cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) be signed into law.

Leading examples of at-risk water infrastructure projects that would support the local economy in key regions across Alaska include:  

1. Anchorage’s Regional Landfill Cell 9B/8C – design improvements associated with the cell liner including leachate and stormwater collection and control systems
2. Fairbanks’ Golden Heart Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant Ultraviolet Disinfection Project to replace existing hypochlorite injection process with UV disinfection by 2025
3. Homer’s Water Treatment Plant Membrane Filtration Train Replacement
4. Ketchikan’s Park Avenue and Harris Street Revitalization to replace deteriorated aging corrugated metal sewer pipe with new corrosion-resistant piping
5. Soldotna’s Water Treatment Project to study and treat groundwater at existing municipal wells to lim

To view all of the projects at risk in Alaska, please visit www.businesswatercoalition.com/reports/alaska for the report in its entirety.

“Should the House Appropriations bill pass, including its draconian funding cuts to SRF programs, we would see a disastrous effect on water infrastructure funding that will trickle down to impact the economic health of local Alaska communities,” said Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of ABWC. “Our new report highlights the important water projects at great risk in Alaska. Water-related crises are wreaking havoc on a daily basis across the country. Congress must fully fund our nation’s water infrastructure, and not pinch pennies on programs that every American and the entire economy rely on.”

It is estimated that restoring the country’s water systems to meet the needs of the population will cost at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years. Without a dramatic increase in federal investment, every business and community in America is at risk.