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Provisions authored by Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) to help public water systems improve infrastructure and ensure safer drinking water are now on their way to the President’s desk after being approved by the U.S. Senate today. The provisions, which were originally a part of H.R. 1653, the Drinking Water Affordability Act, were included in America’s Water Infrastructure Act, which was approved by a vote of 99-1. The bill had already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

The provisions Latta authored provide increased flexibility to state and local governments to meet their specific needs, develop cost-efficient ways to protect drinking water, and ensure funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

“Fixing and upgrading their water infrastructure is a significant issue that many Ohio communities face,” said Latta. “By removing duplicative Federal requirements and providing more flexibility to repay Federal loans, state and local governments can better meet their specific water infrastructure needs without burdening ratepayers with sky-high costs. In addition, provisions I authored will help disadvantaged communities better finance their water infrastructure projects. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act will ensure our communities have safe, reliable drinking water, and I’m glad that provisions I fought for were included in the bill that is now headed to President Trump’s desk.”

Congressman Latta serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and has been a leader in implementing clean drinking water policies. Previously, he authored legislation, the Drinking Water Protection Act, to create a strategic plan to address algal toxins in drinking water. That legislation was signed into law last Congress.

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