Federal Grants to Replace Lead Pipes and Ensure Safe Drinking Water.
This Act establishes a new federal grant program, managed by the EPA, dedicated to funding the replacement of millions of lead, galvanized steel, and iron water service lines that pose a severe public health risk. The program aims to provide non-repayable financial aid, rather than loans, ensuring that financially vulnerable communities can afford the mandated infrastructure upgrades quickly. This change guarantees safer drinking water, especially for children, without burdening local governments with debt.
Key points
Health Safety: The program focuses on eliminating lead from drinking water, crucial for preventing irreversible neurological damage in children and serious health issues in adults.
Funding Structure: Local governments and water systems will receive grants (non-repayable funds) instead of loans to cover the high costs of replacing lead pipes and aging water mains.
Labor Standards: Contractors performing work financed by these grants must pay prevailing wages as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
Introduced
Citizen Poll