Jason Jordan reports on House and Senate subcommittee hearings this week that focused on water infrastructure concerns and a proposed new program to better address funding and financing options.
Both Republican and Democratic members of Congress seem to agree that funding for water infrastructure needs to be improved.
A new financing mechanism, based to popular TIFIA program for transportation projects, was the main focus in the subcommittee hearings. The proposed Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Authority (WIFIA) could help solve the lack of financial assistance for water projects across the nation.
According to Jodan, "WIFIA would provide a mix of loans and loan guarantees for water projects. Other financing ideas discussed included lifting state caps on private activity bonds that can help private companies obtain low-interest financing for water projects, expanding tax exemption status for private activity bonds for water projects, and reauthorizing state revolving funds that are used to finance projects."
Although there is clear need for investment aids in our water systems, "the Obama administration's budget proposal calls for a 15 percent cut in the two primary water loan funds."
There will be continued discussion about water funding among the House and the Senate, and new legislation is forthcoming.
FULL STORY: House, Senate Panels Look at Water Infrastructure
San Diego Water Recycling Project Receives Critical EPA Loan
One of the nation's most ambitious attempts to recycle wastewater into potable water received a huge lift last month from the EPA with the receipt of a $164 million loan under the now-permanent Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
One Way Washington Could Move Forward on Infrastructure
The WIFIA federal loans program provides start-up capital to local water infrastructure projects. The program is designed to encourage experimentation and cost-effective construction strategies.
A Wrap Up and Look Ahead on Transportation Reauthorization
Yonah Freemark has authored a comprehensive examination of the policy and process behind the Senate transportation bill passed on Wednesday. But will it come to anything?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie