As Congress considers the House appropriations bill for the 2024 fiscal year, concerns over potential cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) have emerged, with implications for vital water infrastructure projects in Idaho. The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC) recently released a report highlighting dozens of projects at risk if the House bill is approved.

According to Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of American Business Water Coalition, more than 90% of funding could be cut for 76 projects that are at risk of not getting funding if Congress ultimately votes in favor of the House bill. Additionally, she highlighted that 83% of utilities in the U.S. believe they cannot maintain their systems adequately without external federal funding.

The ABWC report identifies key water infrastructure projects in various Idaho regions that could face delays or cancellations. These projects span both drinking water and wastewater systems, including initiatives such as replacing fire hydrants, implementing backup wells, enhancing storage capacity and addressing lead service line inventories.

To read more, access the full article here.