The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has introduced legislation that authorizes more than $35 billion in funding for water infrastructure programs over the next four years, including $16.5 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), $14 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and $260 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). The bill also authorizes two cybersecurity programs: the Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program and a new program to encourage participation in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

David LaFrance, AWWA chief executive officer, issued the following statement concerning the legislation:

“The drinking water and clean water provisions within the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 are a positive step toward strengthening the federal partnership needed to sustain safe and reliable water service. The AWWA is encouraged that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recognizes the importance of reauthorizing core water infrastructure financing programs, including the SRF and WIFIA, at robust levels. These financial programs allow communities to pay for essential water projects, lowering the cost of debt and reducing the impact on household water bills.”