Budget
Wisconsin Senate signs off on bill to spend tens of millions on PFAS pollution
Wisconsin municipalities and landowners could apply for tens of millions of dollars in state grants to combat PFAS pollution under a bill the state Senate approved Tuesday.
Pennsylvania American Water files rate request driven by $1 billion in investment
(UI) — If approved, the company's proposed rates would raise the average monthly water bill by around $17 for residential customers, reduce the monthly wastewater bill for sanitary sewer service by about $5, and increase the monthly wastewater bill for combined sewer service by approximately $4.
Canada, British Columbia invest over $10 million in water and sewer infrastructure projects
(UI) — The governments of Canada and British Columbia, alongside the municipalities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, and the District of Mackenzie, are investing over $10 million into three transformative water and wastewater projects.
Century-old sewer system in Manning, S.C., to receive $10 million overhaul
Manning, a city with a charter dating back to 1861, has earmarked nearly $20 million for a substantial upgrade of its underground infrastructure. Set to commence in 2024, the primary focus of this effort is the city's sewer system, with an estimated project cost exceeding $10 million.
PENNVEST awards over $37 million to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
(UI) — State Senator Wayne Fontana has announced over $37 million in PENNVEST grants and low-interest loans to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) for water infrastructure upgrades.
State audit finds thousands of dollars missing or misspent by Dunklin County Sewer District
(UI) — A state audit led to a state police investigation into the Dunklin County Sewer District, according to the office of the Missouri State Auditor.
Texas to vote on $1 billion water infrastructure proposal
(UI) — Texas voters will have a chance to weigh in on securing safe, clean, and accessible drinking water for communities statewide. Proposition 6 would amend the state constitution to create the Texas Water Fund and provide $1 billion dollars to address aging water infrastructure and gaps in access to clean drinking water.
What’s changed — and what hasn’t — a year after Mississippi capital’s water crisis?
It’s a stark contrast from a year ago, when Jackson’s 150,000 residents could never be sure what, if anything, would flow from their taps when they needed a drink, a shower or to flush the toilet. The majority-Black city also faced occasional warnings that their water could be contaminated and needed to be boiled, and people had to wait in line to get fresh water.
EPA investigates Alabama’s sewage funds for discrimination against black residents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday it has opened a civil rights investigation into whether Alabama discriminated against Black residents when handing out funding for wastewater infrastructure.
Governor Hochul secures $234.5 million for New York water infrastructure
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has approved over $226.8 million in financing and previously announced grants to commence essential water and sewer infrastructure work, including flood mitigation measures safeguarding critical clean water systems from high-water events.
Maryland church receives $1.7 million grant for stormwater management project
(UI) — Sherwood Episcopal Church has secured a $1.7 million grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of its Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund initiative, marking a pivotal step in the implementation of Sherwood's Clean Water Project.
Tachus to invest $100 million in Texas fiber optic network expansion
(UI) — Tachus Fiber Internet, a Texas-based provider, has unveiled plans to inject $100 million into expanding its state-of-the-art XGS Fiber Network. The network is set to revolutionize internet connectivity, offering ultra-fast multi-gig speeds to both homes and businesses in the Southwest Houston region.
Minnesota forms task force to boost infrastructure resilience amid climatic challenges
(UI) — Over the following months, members of the task force will concentrate on improving the coordination among state and local partners in their response to the destructive impacts of storms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall, which can wreak havoc on roads, bridges, wastewater systems, and more.
Beaumont, Texas, unveils $123 million plan to overhaul water infrastructure
(UI) — This intricate plan, spanning five years, carries a substantial price tag of $123 million, with a significant portion, $43 million, allocated to the replacement and maintenance of water pipelines during this period.
Advocates urge expanded public hearings about Baltimore’s water and sewer system
(UI) — The Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force announced that it would hold four in-person meetings throughout this fall before recommending a new governance model for the city’s water and wastewater system.
Communities unite to overcome decades of undrinkable water in West Texas
In rural West Texas, water problems underscore a broader issue: a 2016 report revealed 65 Texas systems with excessive arsenic, impacting 51,000 residents. Despite this, around 65 residents convened at a July meeting united in their aim to establish the South Plains Water Supply Corporation. Moreover, relief is on the horizon with $2.5 billion in federal funding allocated for water infrastructure.
Arkansas lawmakers approve underground tunnel on State Capitol Grounds
(UI) — State legislators in Arkansas have granted their endorsement for the creation of an underground corridor linking the state Capitol with a nearby structure housing meeting spaces and legislative offices. The project, which surpasses $3.6 million in budget, has garnered increased backing in recent months.
Former fiscal officer repays mishandled sewer fees in Ohio's Gallia County
(UI) — A former fiscal officer has reimbursed $7,047 in sewer receipts collected from customers but not deposited into the Village of Centerville's accounts in Gallia County, as announced by Auditor of State Keith Faber.
Governor Hochul secures $185 million for New York water infrastructure
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has secured over $185 million for water infrastructure projects across New York. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has given the green light to provide financial assistance for vital water infrastructure improvements throughout the state.
New Jersey invests $15.2 million to revitalize Monmouth Country infrastructure
(UI) — New Jersey American Water has announced a $15.2 million investment to replace over five miles of aging water main in Fair Haven, Middletown Township, and Union Beach, beginning this summer. The company will upgrade water lines that were installed as far back as the 1920s.
Lawmakers seek extended deadline, funding for crucial water pipeline project in New Mexico
(UI) — The Indian Affairs Committee met on July 12 to discuss a bill that could affect water access for thousands of households in rural New Mexico. A $67 million contract was already issued to build water pipelines, but now lawmakers want more time and funds to complete and maintain the infrastructure.
San Rafael secures PG&E funding for Canal Area underground utilities upgrade
(UI) — To facilitate the project's progression, the San Rafael City Council has unanimously approved the establishment of an underground utility district for the designated area. This strategic move enables the city to leverage funding provided by Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Westmoreland County, Pa., secures $8.8 million in funding for water, sewer projects
(UI) — These projects include the water line extension in East Huntingdon, stormwater sewer improvements in Jeannette, stormwater sewer installation in Unity, sewer enhancements in New Kensington, and water line upgrades in South Huntingdon.
Pittsfield, Mass., officials approve $206 million budget plan, including 12% water, 25% sewer rate hike
(UI) — By a 7-4 vote, the council approved raising water and sewer rates to cover the increasing cost of materials and rebuild savings within city enterprise funds. The plan set aside $18 million for the city's water, wastewater, and sewage budgets.
Pittsburgh water rates could increase nearly 60% over next 3 years
(UI) — In order to continue funding its plans for infrastructure upgrades, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has submitted a request to state regulators for a rate increase of over 60% over the upcoming three years.
Judge OKs money for billing system upgrade for Jackson water
A judge Tuesday approved a request to set aside federal money for new billing software and other services for the troubled water system in Mississippi’s capital city.
Jackson needs federal funds to cover infrastructure repairs, appointee says
The manager appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee reforms to the beleaguered water system in Mississippi’s capital city says he won’t have enough money to cover expenses until more federal funds arrive.
Strange Days
I think it’s safe to say that most people in the underground utility and pipeline industry entered 2022 hoping for a strong rebound and return to a much sought-after normal year. Ironically, 2022 has proven to be a year beset by bizarre challenges, yet still sugar-coated with financial windfalls.
Democrats Lay Out Speculative Marker for Water Infrastructure
Speculation rises as the push for infrastructure bills has little support from Republican members of the House.
California State Water Project Initial Allocations Lowered
A second consecutive dry winter led to the lowering of initial allocations from the State Water Project for the 2021 water year.
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