THE ISSUE
Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ supports legislation that will increase resources for and strengthen green infrastructure projects related to water projects such as dams, levees, and stormwater systems. Landscape architects use green infrastructure and low-impact development projects to provide communities tangible, cost-effective solutions to address water management needs.
Background
Many state and local governments face difficult economic challenges with limited resources and financial capability to meet the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements for stormwater and wastewater updates. To address these concerns, communities want to use cost-effective green infrastructure projects to address their water quality and quantity needs.
Bill Summary
Senator Deb Fischer (NE) introduced , in March 2017. A companion bill, was also introduced by Representative Robert Latta (OH).
On December, 12, 2018, Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH) introduced a new version of the bill, . This bill was nearly identical to S. 692.
The Water Infrastructure Improvement Act authorizes the use of green infrastructure into integrated plan permits under the integrated municipal stormwater and wastewater planning approach framework issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill also establishes, within the EPA's Office of the Administrator, an Office of the Municipal Ombudsman to provide technical assistance to municipalities to comply with federal water pollution and safe drinking water laws and to provide information about available federal financial assistance.
Recent Action
On January 14, 2019, the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act was signed by the president and became law. It is now .
Sponsors
Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH) and .
Sen. Deb Fischer (NE) and .
Rep. Robert Latta (OH) and .