Maine Water Infrastructure and Business Risks Report

Federal Spending Bill Threatens 90 Water Infrastructure Projects Supporting Jobs and Economic Development

Projects in Portland, Bangor, Biddeford and more at Risk of Being Derailed by Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

AUGUSTA, MAINE (October 25, 2023) – A new report identifies dozens of water infrastructure projects in Maine 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 Maine include:

1. Portland Water District’s Sawyer Street, South Portland water main replacement.
2. Bangor Water District’s BIA storage tank and booster station zone expansion.
3. City of Biddeford’s Summer Street combined sewer overflow (CSO) sewer separation.
4. Sanford Sewerage District’s wastewater treatment facility upgrades, including replacement of emergency power system, UV disinfection system, lagoon structures which are currently at the end of service life, and more.
5. Greater Augusta Utility District’s secondary treatment upgrades, including replacement of secondary clarifier internal components which have reached the end of their service life.

To view all of the projects at risk in Maine, please visit businesswatercoalition.com/reports/maine 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 Maine communities,” said Mae Stevens, chief executive officer of ABWC. “Our new report highlights the important water projects at great risk in Maine. 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.

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