Conrad Introduces Rural Water Bill

Press Release

Senator Kent Conrad today introduced bipartisan legislation designed to ensure that families in America's most rural communities enjoy the same safe and clean drinking water as families in more urban communities. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) is the lead co-sponsor of the legislation.

"Senator Wicker and I understand that there are few things more important to a community than safe, clean drinking water," Senator Conrad said. "Unfortunately, the infrastructure in some areas of North Dakota, Mississippi and rural communities across the country isn't as up-to-date as it should be, making it difficult to meet environmental and safety standards. The funding provided in this bill is critical to ensuring the water quality in these communities meets national standards."

"Many counties and towns throughout the country are struggling as a result of the economic downturn, making it difficult for them to comply with costly federal regulations," said Senator Wicker. "This legislation would give some assistance to these small communities as they try to provide clean drinking water, and I am glad to join Senator Conrad in this bipartisan effort."

The bill authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to provide technical assistance and direct resources to nonprofit organizations to provide onsite assistance, regional training, assistance with implementation monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements.

Senator Conrad said more than 50,000 small and rural communities nationwide are responsible for providing safe, clean water to their citizens. Many of these small communities often face significant challenges in complying with federal rules, affording the latest technology, and accessing technical experts.

"We are very appreciative for Senator Conrad's support for North Dakota's small and rural communities charged with providing safe and clean water to their citizens every day," said Eric Volk, Executive Director of the North Dakota Rural Water Association. "Senator Conrad has long led the effort to build and improve drinking water and sanitation supplies in rural North Dakota. This on-site assistance is essential in addressing the lack of capacity in rural communities in the most cost?effective way to improve and protect water quality. Rural North Dakota thanks the Senator and we are eager to see his new bill passed into law."

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