Davids Highlights $80M in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Clean Water in Kansas
KANSAS CITY, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted Radhika Fox, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water, to announce nearly $80 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding coming to Kansas to ensure clean drinking water across the state. Davids, who released an investigative report on water infrastructure in Kansas' Third District, was the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law.
"From the water in our taps to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives. People don't always realize how important those systems are until they fail—but it's our responsibility to ensure they never get to that point," said Davids. "I am glad to welcome funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to help deliver cleaner drinking water, safer stormwater systems, and better wastewater management to our communities."
"When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972, with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, it charted a new path for America's waters," said Radhika Fox, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water. "In the past 50 years, the Missouri and Kansas rivers, along with other treasured waterways nationally, have been transformed into spaces that drive economic growth, environmental health, and recreational access. Looking forward, we have a unique opportunity to continue protecting these rivers and invest in Kansas' water infrastructure through the historic bipartisan infrastructure law."
Rep. Sharice Davids helping to accept new funding for clean water in Kansas.
"The Heartland is connected by big rivers, with the Missouri River – the longest in North America – flowing through Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska," said Meg McCollister, EPA Region 7 Administrator. "Today we celebrate the Clean Water Act successes that have transformed our rivers into places of recreation, the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that will allow us to continue our water protections, and the community organizations that are integral to keeping our river-access points clean."
"Kansas has taken its responsibility in implementing the Clean Water Act seriously since its inception in 1972," said Leo Henning, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Deputy Secretary for Environment. "We have made significant investments in our wastewater infrastructure which grants such as this one today from EPA have made possible. As a rural state, we have had to be innovative in incentivizing management practices to reduce pollutants coming off of ag lands during runoff. While emerging issues always loom on the horizon of clean water, KDHE is positioned with strong staff, programs and authorities to meet those challenges now and in the future. We are thankful for our partnership with Region 7, working together to improve and protect the water of Kansas in the manner intended by this Act fifty years ago."
"With great appreciation we welcome this investment that will help sustain infrastructure designed to keep clean water on "tap" for a variety of uses in Kansas for years to come," said Tyrone Garner, Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas.
The funding announced today, which includes over $32 million to replace lead water lines, was awarded to KDHE's State Revolving Fund (SRF) for the planning, design, and construction of both drinking water and wastewater system infrastructure. This award is the first of five yearly allotments for Kansas from the bipartisan infrastructure law.
During the event at Kaw Point Park, as part of a national tour, EPA officials also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which has reduced direct pollution discharges to our nation's waters and improved wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
Davids, Vice Chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, previously announced that in fiscal year 2022, the bipartisan infrastructure law is bringing $500 million to improve Kansas roads, $225 million to repair Kansas bridges, more than $13 million for airports in the Third District, and $79 million for water infrastructure across Kansas. The law has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.