HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (Feb. 21, 2024) – A new report identifies dozens of water infrastructure projects in Connecticut that are at risk of being delayed or canceled if Congress approves the House-passed 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 Connecticut include:
1. New Haven’s Regional Water Authority’s electrical improvements in the Lake Saltonstall Water Treatment Plant
2. Hartford’s Metropolitan District Commission’s Granby combined sewer overflow separation to mitigate raw sewage spills into businesses and residential spaces
3. Waterbury Water Department’s water system pump station upgrades
4. Manchester Water Department’s water main replacement in the Chestnut Street area
5. Town of Glastonbury’s planning for interconnection of homes serviced by private wells with high uranium levels
To view all of the projects at risk in Connecticut, please visit www.businesswatercoalition.com/reports/connecticut for the report in its entirety.
“Should the House Appropriations bill be signed into law, 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 Connecticut communities,” said Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of ABWC. “Our new report highlights the important water projects at great risk in Connecticut. 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.
