How do we define infrastructure?
How much should we spend?
How do we pay for it?
These are some of the many questions that are on people’s minds, but the biggest question is, can Republicans and Democrats actually work together and cut a bipartisan infrastructure deal?
This past week proves that the answer is a resounding yes.
Last Thursday, the Senate passed the bipartisan Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (DWWIA).
As the top Republican–also known as the Ranking Member–of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, I worked closely with Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) to craft this meaningful legislation that addresses our country’s aging drinking water and wastewater systems.
The Rundown
water infrastructure package. FERC commissioners discuss incorporating
environmental justice into their evaluation of energy infrastructure. The EPA announces a new round of
WIFIA funds and approves grant funding for water systems in two
Alaska Native villages. President Biden nominates a government veteran to lead the
Army Corps of Engineers. And lastly, the GAO recommends that the EPA updated its database with more accurate information on
drinking water utility ownership.
“This legislation represents, I think, a fantastic first effort for our ongoing work together to address the major concerns of the American people when it comes to infrastructure and the environment, and in a thoughtful and fiscally responsible fashion.” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) speaking on the Senate floor in support of a drinking water and wastewater infrastructure bill. The bill passed by an 89 to 2 margin.
ORLEANS A bright red crane stood out against a nearly cloudless blue spring sky, hoisting blocks of scaffolding from the site’s access road into a massive concrete foundation.
The scaffolding was part of a temporary support system for the pouring of the slab of the first floor of Orleans’ new $38.1 million wastewater treatment plant, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2022. For the past two years, Orleans streets also bustled with crews installing the pipes for the $21.4 million downtown sewer collection system.
This is a moment capping over two decades of contentious debate in Orleans, and one that Alan McClennen, a former longtime Orleans select board member, could scarcely have believed possible just a few years ago when the cost of the town’s wastewater cleanup plan seemed insurmountable.
Westchester County Federal Legislative Requests sent to Washington Written by Westchester County
County Executive Latimer has sent his federal legislative requests to the federal delegation that represents Westchester County
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has sent his federal legislative requests to the federal delegation that represents Westchester County. The priorities were compiled by the Westchester County Department of Intergovernmental Relations under Latimer’s leadership. Department of Intergovernmental Relations Director Steve Bass led the team along with Deputy Director Ellen Hendrickx and Intergovernmental Relations Aide Kyle McIntyre.
While there are a number of federal priorities, the top priority for the Latimer Administration is the repeal of the SALT tax cap. The law now caps the SALT deduction at $10,000, resulting in double taxation and raised taxes on thousands of middle-class families in Westchester who depended on that deduct