Text of S. 914 (117th): Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (Introduced version)

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 914

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 23, 2021

Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Inhofe, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Padilla) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works

A BILL

To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize programs under those Acts, and for other purposes.

(a)

This Act may be cited as the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021.

(b)

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definition of Administrator.

TITLE I—Drinking water

Sec. 101. Technical assistance and grants for emergencies affecting public water systems.

Sec. 102. Drinking water State revolving loan funds.

Sec. 103. Source water petition program.

Sec. 104. Assistance for small and disadvantaged communities.

Sec. 105. Reducing lead in drinking water.

Sec. 106. Operational sustainability of small public water systems.

Sec. 107. Midsize and large drinking water system infrastructure resilience and sustainability program.

Sec. 108. Needs assessment for nationwide rural and urban low-income community water assistance.

Sec. 109. Lead contamination in school drinking water.

Sec. 110. Indian reservation drinking water program.

Sec. 111. Advanced drinking water technologies.

TITLE II—Clean water

Sec. 201. Research, investigations, training, and information.

Sec. 202. Wastewater efficiency grant pilot program.

Sec. 203. Pilot program for alternative water source projects.

Sec. 204. Sewer overflow and stormwater reuse municipal grants.

Sec. 205. Clean water infrastructure resiliency and sustainability program.

Sec. 206. Small and medium publicly owned treatment works circuit rider program.

Sec. 207. Small publicly owned treatment works efficiency grant program.

Sec. 208. Grants for construction, refurbishing, and servicing of individual household decentralized wastewater systems for individuals with low or moderate income.

Sec. 209. Connection to publicly owned treatment works.

Sec. 210. Clean water State revolving funds.

Sec. 211. Water infrastructure and workforce investment.

Sec. 212. Grants to Alaska to improve sanitation in rural and Native villages.

Sec. 213. Water data sharing pilot program.

Sec. 214. Final rating opinion letters.

Sec. 215. Water infrastructure financing reauthorization.

Sec. 216. Small and disadvantaged community analysis.

Sec. 217. Stormwater infrastructure technology.

Sec. 218. Water Reuse Interagency Working Group.

Sec. 219. Advanced clean water technologies study.

Sec. 220. Clean water infrastructure needs survey.

In this Act, the term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

101.

Section 1442 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–1) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b), in the first sentence—

(A)

by inserting (including an emergency situation resulting from a cybersecurity event) after emergency situation; and

(B)

by inserting , including a threat to public health resulting from contaminants, such as, but not limited to, heightened exposure to lead in drinking water after public health;

(2)

by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

(d)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (b) $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

;

(3)

in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:

(5)

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

;

(4)

by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and

(5)

by inserting after subsection (e) the following:

(f)

The Administrator may provide technical assistance consistent with the authority provided under subsection (e) to State-based nonprofit organizations that are governed by community water systems.

102.

(a)

Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–12) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(4)(A), by striking During fiscal years 2019 through 2023, funds and inserting Funds;

(2)

in subsection (m)(1)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and;

(B)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

$2,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(E)

$2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(F)

$3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

(G)

$3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

; and

(3)

in subsection (q), by striking 2016 through 2021 and inserting 2022 through 2026.

(b)

Section 1452(d) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–12(d)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), by inserting , grants, negative interest loans, other loan forgiveness, and through buying, refinancing, or restructuring debt after forgiveness of principal; and

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

(B)

to the extent that there are sufficient applications for loans to communities described in paragraph (1), may not be less than 12 percent.

103.

Section 1454 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–14) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking political subdivision of a State, and inserting political subdivision of a State (including a county that is designated by the State to act on behalf of an unincorporated area within that county, with the agreement of that unincorporated area),;

(B)

in paragraph (4)(D)(i), by inserting (including a county that is designated by the State to act on behalf of an unincorporated area within that county) after of the State; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(5)

Unless otherwise provided within the agreement, an agreement between an unincorporated area and a county for the county to submit a petition under paragraph (1)(A) on behalf of the unincorporated area shall not authorize the county to act on behalf of the unincorporated area in any matter not within a program under this section.

; and

(2)

in subsection (e), in the first sentence, by striking 2021 and inserting 2026.

104.

(a)

Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–19a) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)(2)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

the purchase of point-of-entry or point-of-use filters that are independently certified using science-based test methods for the removal of contaminants of concern;

(E)

investments necessary for providing accurate and current information about—

(i)

the need for filtration and filter safety, including proper use and maintenance practices; and

(ii)

the options for replacing lead service lines (as defined section 1459B(a)) and removing other sources of lead in water; and

(F)

entering into contracts with nonprofit organizations that have water system technical expertise to assist underserved communities.

(3)

A contract described in paragraph (2)(F) may be between a nonprofit organization described in that paragraph and—

(A)

an eligible entity; or

(B)

the State of an eligible entity, on behalf of that eligible entity.

;

(2)

in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking An eligible entity and inserting Except for purposes of subsections (j) and (m), an eligible entity;

(3)

in subsection (g)(1), by striking to pay not less than 45 percent and inserting except as provided in subsection (l)(5) and subject to subsection (h), to pay not less than 10 percent;

(4)

by striking subsection (k) and inserting the following:

(k)

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a) through (j)—

(1)

$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(2)

$80,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(3)

$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

(4)

$120,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and

(5)

$140,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.

; and

(5)

in subsection (l)—

(A)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

by striking The Administrator may and inserting The Administrator shall; and

(ii)

by striking fiscal years 2019 and 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026;

(B)

in paragraph (5), by striking $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020 and inserting $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026;

(C)

by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and

(D)

by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:

(5)

(A)

Subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to a program or project that serves an eligible entity and is carried out using a grant under this subsection, the Federal share of the cost of the program or project shall be 90 percent.

(B)

The Administrator may increase the Federal share under subparagraph (A) to 100 percent if the Administrator determines that an eligible entity is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the non-Federal share.

(b)

Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–19a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(m)

(1)

In this subsection:

(A)

The term eligible entity means—

(i)

an owner or operator of a public water system that assists or is seeking to assist eligible individuals with connecting the household of the eligible individual to the public water system; or

(ii)

a nonprofit entity that assists or is seeking to assist eligible individuals with the costs associated with connecting the household of the eligible individual to a public water system.

(B)

The term eligible individual has the meaning given the term in section 603(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(j)).

(C)

The term program means the competitive grant program established under paragraph (2).

(2)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a competitive grant program for the purpose of improving the general welfare under which the Administrator awards grants to eligible entities to provide funds to assist eligible individuals in covering the costs incurred by the eligible individual in connecting the household of the eligible individual to a public water system.

(3)

An eligible entity seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(4)

In selecting recipients for grants under the program, the Administrator shall consider—

(A)

how public health would improve by awarding a grant to a particular eligible entity;

(B)

the environmental implications of awarding a grant to a particular eligible entity;

(C)

whether it is economically feasible for an eligible entity to provide the assistance described in paragraph (2); and

(D)

whether it is technically feasible for an eligible entity to provide the assistance described in paragraph (2).

(5)

Before providing funds to an eligible individual for the costs described in paragraph (2), an eligible entity shall ensure and certify to the Administrator that—

(A)

the eligible individual is voluntarily seeking connection to the public water system;

(B)

if the eligible entity is not the owner or operator of the public water system to which the eligible individual seeks to connect, the public water system to which the eligible individual seeks to connect has agreed to the connection; and

(C)

the connection of the household of the eligible individual to the public water system meets all applicable local and State regulations, requirements, and codes.

(6)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the program, which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the program.

(7)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(c)

Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–19a) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(n)

(1)

In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (k), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a) through (j) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in accordance with paragraph (2).

(2)

(A)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administrator shall distribute amounts made available under paragraph (1) to States through a competitive grant program.

(B)

To seek a grant under the competitive grant program under subparagraph (A), a State shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(C)

In selecting recipients of grants under the competitive grant program under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall establish criteria that give priority to States with a high proportion of underserved communities that meet the condition described in subsection (a)(2)(A).

(3)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the competitive grant program under paragraph (2)(A), which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the competitive grant program.

(4)

Nothing in this paragraph affects the distribution of amounts made available under subsection (k), including any methods used by the Administrator for distribution of amounts made available under that subsection as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection.

105.

Section 1459B of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–19b) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

by inserting (except for subsection (d)) after this section; and

(B)

by striking $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021 and inserting $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026;

(2)

by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and

(3)

by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

(d)

(1)

In this subsection:

(A)

The term eligible entity means a municipality that is served by a community water system or a nontransient noncommunity water system in which not less than 30 percent of the service lines are known, or likely to contain, lead service lines.

(B)

The term pilot program means the pilot program established under paragraph (2).

(2)

The Administrator shall establish a pilot program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to eligible entities to carry out lead reduction projects that are demonstrated to exist based on existing lead mapping of those eligible entities.

(3)

(A)

To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(B)

In selecting recipients under the pilot program, the Administrator shall give priority to an eligible entity that meets the affordability criteria established by the applicable State.

(4)

Not later 2 years after the Administrator first awards a grant under the pilot program, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing—

(A)

the recipients of grants under the pilot program;

(B)

the existing lead mapping that was available to recipients of grants under the pilot program; and

(C)

how useful and accurate the lead mapping described in subparagraph (B) was in locating lead contaminants of the eligible entity.

(5)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $10,000,000, to remain available until expended.

106.

Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1459E.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

a unit of local government;

(B)

a public corporation established by a unit of local government to provide water service;

(C)

a nonprofit corporation, public trust, or cooperative association that owns or operates a public water system; and

(D)

an Indian Tribe that owns or operates a public water system.

(2)

The term operational sustainability means the ability to improve the operation of a small system through the identification and prevention of potable water loss due to leaks, breaks, and other metering or infrastructure failures.

(3)

The term program means the grant program established under subsection (b).

(4)

The term small system means a public water system that—

(A)

serves fewer than 10,000 people; and

(B)

is owned or operated by—

(i)

a unit of local government;

(ii)

a public corporation;

(iii)

a nonprofit corporation;

(iv)

a public trust;

(v)

a cooperative association; or

(vi)

an Indian Tribe.

(b)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of improving the operational sustainability of 1 or more small systems.

(c)

To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including—

(1)

a proposal of the project to be carried out using grant funds under the program;

(2)

documentation prepared by the eligible entity describing the deficiencies or suspected deficiencies in operational sustainability of 1 or more small systems that are to be addressed through the proposed project;

(3)

a description of how the proposed project will improve the operational sustainability of 1 or more small systems;

(4)

a description of how the improvements described in paragraph (3) will be maintained beyond the life of the proposed project, including a plan to maintain and update any asset data collected as a result of the proposed project;

(5)

(A)

if the eligible entity is located in a State that has established a State drinking water treatment revolving loan fund under section 1452, a copy of a written agreement between the eligible entity and the State in which the eligible entity agrees to provide a copy of any data collected under the proposed project to the State agency administering the State drinking water treatment revolving loan fund (or a designee); or

(B)

if the eligible entity is located in an area other than a State that has established a State drinking water treatment revolving loan fund under section 1452, a copy of a written agreement between the eligible entity and the Administrator in which the eligible entity agrees to provide a copy of any data collected under the proposed project to the Administrator (or a designee); and

(6)

any additional information the Administrator may require.

(d)

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall use the grant funds to carry out projects that improve the operational sustainability of 1 or more small systems through—

(1)

the development of a detailed asset inventory, which may include drinking water sources, wells, storage, valves, treatment systems, distribution lines, hydrants, pumps, controls, and other essential infrastructure;

(2)

the development of an infrastructure asset map, including a map that uses technology such as—

(A)

geographic information system software; and

(B)

global positioning system software;

(3)

the deployment of leak detection technology;

(4)

the deployment of metering technology;

(5)

training in asset management strategies, techniques, and technologies for appropriate staff employed by—

(A)

the eligible entity; or

(B)

the small systems for which the grant was received;

(6)

the deployment of strategies, techniques, and technologies to enhance the operational sustainability and effective use of water resources through water reuse; and

(7)

the development or deployment of other strategies, techniques, or technologies that the Administrator may determine to be appropriate under the program.

(e)

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the program shall be 90 percent of the total cost of the project.

(2)

The Administrator may increase the Federal share under paragraph (1) to 100 percent.

(f)

(g)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

107.

Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) (as amended by section 106) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1459F.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term eligible entity means a public water system that serves a community with a population of greater than 10,000.

(2)

The terms resilience and natural hazard have the meanings given those terms in section 1433(h).

(3)

The term resilience and sustainability program means the Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program established under subsection (b).

(b)

The Administrator shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, under which the Administrator, subject to the availability of appropriations for the resilience and sustainability program, shall award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of increasing resilience to natural hazards, cybersecurity threats, and extreme weather events.

(c)

An eligible entity may only use grant funds received under the resilience and sustainability program to assist in the planning, design, construction, implementation, operation, or maintenance of a program or project that increases resilience to natural hazards, cybersecurity threats, or extreme weather events through—

(1)

the conservation of water or the enhancement of water-use efficiency;

(2)

the modification or relocation of existing drinking water system infrastructure made, or that is at risk of being, significantly impaired by natural hazards or extreme weather events, including risks to drinking water from flooding;

(3)

the design or construction of new or modified desalination facilities to serve existing communities;

(4)

the enhancement of water supply through the use of watershed management and source water protection;

(5)

the enhancement of energy efficiency or the use and generation of renewable energy in the conveyance or treatment of drinking water;

(6)

the development and implementation of measures to increase the resilience of the eligible entity to natural hazards, cybersecurity threats, or extreme weather events; or

(7)

the conservation of water or the enhancement of a water supply through the implementation of water reuse measures.

(d)

To seek a grant under the resilience and sustainability program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including—

(1)

a proposal of the program or project to be planned, designed, constructed, implemented, operated, or maintained by the eligible entity;

(2)

an identification of the natural hazard risk or potential cybersecurity threat, as applicable, to be addressed by the proposed program or project;

(3)

documentation prepared by a Federal, State, regional, or local government agency of the natural hazard risk, potential cybersecurity threat, or risk for extreme weather events to the area where the proposed program or project is to be located;

(4)

a description of any recent natural hazards, cybersecurity events, or extreme weather events that have affected the community water system of the eligible entity;

(5)

a description of how the proposed program or project would improve the performance of the community water system of the eligible entity under the anticipated natural hazards, cybersecurity threats, or extreme weather events; and

(6)

an explanation of how the proposed program or project is expected to enhance the resilience of the community water system of the eligible entity to the anticipated natural hazards, cybersecurity threats, or extreme weather events.

(e)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the resilience and sustainability program, which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available to carry out the resilience and sustainability program.

(f)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the resilience and sustainability program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) for grants to eligible entities under the resilience and sustainability program—

(A)

50 percent shall be used to provide grants to eligible entities that serve a population of—

(i)

greater than 10,000; and

(ii)

fewer than 100,000; and

(B)

50 percent shall be used to provide grants to eligible entities that serve a population equal to or greater than 100,000.

(3)

Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used by the Administrator for the administrative costs of carrying out the resilience and sustainability program.

108.

Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) (as amended by section 107) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1459G.

(a)

In this section, the term low-income household means a household that has an income that, as determined by the State in which the household is located, does not exceed the greater of—

(1)

an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level of that State; and

(2)

an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income for that State.

(b)

(1)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall conduct, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study regarding the prevalence throughout the United States of low-income households, including low-income renters, that spend a disproportionate amount of household income on public drinking water services to meet household needs.

(2)

The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A)

recommendations of the Administrator regarding the best methods to increase access to affordable and reliable drinking water services;

(B)

a description of the cost of each method described in subparagraph (A); and

(C)

with respect to the development of the report, a consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

(3)

The Administrator may enter into an agreement with another Federal agency to carry out the study under paragraph (1).

(c)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.

109.

Section 1464 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–24) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in the first sentence, by inserting public water systems and after to assist; and

(B)

in the third sentence, by inserting public water systems, after schools,; and

(2)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A)—

(I)

by inserting , public water systems that serve schools and child care programs under the jurisdiction of those local educational agencies, and qualified nonprofit organizations before in voluntary;

(II)

by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;

(III)

by striking grants available to States and inserting the following:

grants available to—

(i)

States

; and

(IV)

by adding at the end the following:

(ii)

tribal consortia to assist tribal education agencies (as defined in section 3 of the National Environmental Education Act (20 U.S.C. 5502)) in voluntary testing for lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care programs under the jurisdiction of the tribal education agency.

;

(ii)

in subparagraph (B)—

(I)

in clause (i), by striking or at the end;

(II)

in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(III)

by adding at the end the following:

(iii)

any public water system that is located in a State that does not participate in the voluntary grant program established under subparagraph (A) that—

(I)

assists schools or child care programs in lead testing; or

(II)

provides technical assistance to schools or child care programs in carrying out lead testing; or

(iv)

a qualified nonprofit organization, as determined by the Administrator.

;

(B)

in paragraphs (3), (5), (6), and (7), by striking State or local educational agency each place it appears and inserting State, local educational agency, public water system, tribal consortium, or qualified nonprofit organization;

(C)

in paragraph (4), by striking States and local educational agencies and inserting States, local educational agencies, public water systems, tribal consortia, and qualified nonprofit organizations;

(D)

in paragraph (6)—

(i)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting , public water system, tribal consortium, or qualified nonprofit organization after each local educational agency;

(ii)

in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting or tribal after applicable State; and

(iii)

in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting applicable before local educational agency; and

(E)

by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:

(8)

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—

(A)

$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024;

(B)

$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and

(C)

$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.

110.

Section 2001 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (42 U.S.C. 300j–3c note; Public Law 115–270) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and inserting The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the Administrator); and

(B)

by striking to implement in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting to implement eligible projects described in subsection (b).;

(2)

by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (f);

(3)

by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

(c)

(1)

If sufficient applications exist, of the funds made available to carry out this section, the Administrator shall use 50 percent to carry out—

(A)

10 eligible projects described in subsection (b) that are within the Upper Missouri River Basin;

(B)

10 eligible projects described in subsection (b) that are within the Upper Rio Grande Basin;

(C)

10 eligible projects described in subsection (b) that are within the Columbia River Basin; and

(D)

10 eligible projects described in subsection (b) that are within the Lower Colorado River Basin.

(2)

In carrying out paragraph (1)(A), the Administrator shall select not fewer than 2 eligible projects for a reservation that serves more than 1 federally recognized Indian Tribe.

(d)

The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this section shall be 100 percent.

(e)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the program established under subsection (a), which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under that program.

; and

(4)

in subsection (f) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

by striking There is and inserting There are;

(B)

by striking subsection (a) $20,000,000 and inserting the following:

subsection (a)—

(1)

$20,000,000

;

(C)

in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking 2022. and inserting 2021; and; and

(D)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

111.

Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) (as amended by section 108) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1459H.

(a)

(1)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall carry out a study that examines the state of existing and potential future technology, including technology that could address cybersecurity threats, that enhances or could enhance the treatment, monitoring, affordability, efficiency, and safety of drinking water provided by a public water system.

(2)

The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph (1).

(b)

(1)

In this subsection:

(A)

The term eligible entity means the owner or operator of a public water system that—

(i)

serves—

(I)

a population of not more than 100,000 people; or

(II)

an underserved community;

(ii)

has plans to identify or has identified opportunities in the operations of the public water system to employ new or emerging, yet proven, technologies, including technology that could address cybersecurity threats, as determined by the Administrator, that enhance treatment, monitoring, affordability, efficiency, or safety of the drinking water provided by the public water system, including technologies not identified in the study conducted under subsection (a)(1); and

(iii)

has expressed an interest in the opportunities in the operation of the public water system to employ new or emerging, yet proven, technologies, including technology that could address cybersecurity threats, as determined by the Administrator, that enhance treatment, monitoring, affordability, efficiency, or safety of the drinking water provided by the public water system, including technologies not identified in the study conducted under subsection (a)(1).

(B)

The term program means the competitive grant program established under paragraph (2).

(C)

The term underserved community means a political subdivision of a State that, as determined by the Administrator, has an inadequate system for obtaining drinking water.

(2)

The Administrator shall establish a competitive grant program under which the Administrator shall award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of identifying, deploying, or identifying and deploying technologies described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii).

(3)

(A)

(B)

(i)

Subject to clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under the program shall not exceed 90 percent of the total cost of the project.

(ii)

The Administrator may increase the Federal share under clause (i) to 100 percent if the Administrator determines that an eligible entity is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the non-Federal share.

(4)

Not later than 1 year after the date on which Administrator first awards a grant under the program, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(A)

each recipient of a grant under the program during the previous 1-year period; and

(B)

a summary of the activities carried out using grants awarded under the program.

(5)

(A)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

(B)

Not more than 2 percent of the amount made available for a fiscal year under subparagraph (A) to carry out the program may be used by the Administrator for the administrative costs of carrying out the program.

201.

(a)

Section 104(u) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(u)) is amended—

(1)

by striking and (7) and inserting (7); and

(2)

in paragraph (7)—

(A)

by striking 2023 and inserting 2021; and

(B)

by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (8) not to exceed $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for carrying out subsections (b)(3), (b)(8), and (g), of which not less than $50,000,000 each fiscal year shall be used to carry out subsection (b)(8)..

(b)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the grants authorized under subsections (b)(3), (b)(8), and (g) of section 104 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254), which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available to carry out those subsections.

202.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term pilot program means the wastewater efficiency grant pilot program established under subsection (b).

(2)

The term treatment works has the meaning given the term in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292).

(b)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a wastewater efficiency grant pilot program to award grants to owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to carry out projects that create or improve waste-to-energy systems.

(c)

(1)

To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an owner or operator of a treatment works shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(2)

The Administrator shall select not more than 15 recipients of grants under the pilot program from applications submitted under paragraph (1).

(d)

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), a recipient of a grant under the pilot program may use grant funds for—

(A)

sludge collection;

(B)

installation of anaerobic digesters;

(C)

methane capture;

(D)

methane transfer;

(E)

facility upgrades and retrofits necessary to create or improve waste-to-energy systems; and

(F)

other new and emerging, but proven, technologies that transform waste to energy.

(2)

A grant to a recipient under the pilot program shall be not more than $4,000,000.

(e)

(1)

Not later than 1 year after receiving a grant under the pilot program and each year thereafter for which amounts are made available for the pilot program under subsection (f), the recipient of the grant shall submit to the Administrator a report describing the impact of that project on the communities within 3 miles of the treatment works.

(2)

Not later than 1 year after first awarding grants under the pilot program and each year thereafter for which amounts are made available for the pilot program under subsection (f), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(A)

the applications received by the Administrator for grants under the pilot program; and

(B)

the projects for which grants were awarded under the pilot program.

(f)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

203.

Section 220 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1300) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b), in the heading, by striking In General and inserting Establishment;

(2)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

by striking paragraph (2); and

(B)

by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);

(3)

by striking subsection (e);

(4)

in subsection (i)—

(A)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking , the following definitions apply; and

(B)

in paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by striking water or wastewater or by treating wastewater and inserting water, wastewater, or stormwater or by treating wastewater or stormwater;

(5)

in subsection (j)—

(A)

in the first sentence, by striking There is and inserting the following:

(1)

There is

;

(B)

in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking a total of $75,000,000 for fiscal years 2002 through 2004. Such sums shall and inserting $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

; and

(6)

by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), (i), and (j) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (b), and (i), respectively, and moving those subsections so as to appear in alphabetical order.

204.

Section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1301) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(1) —

(A)

in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;

(B)

by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and

(C)

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

(B)

notification systems to inform the public of combined sewer or sanitary overflows that result in sewage being released into rivers and other waters; and

;

(2)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

in the second sentence, by striking The non-Federal share of the cost and inserting the following:

(3)

The applicable non-Federal share of the cost under this subsection

;

(B)

in the first sentence, by striking The Federal and inserting the following:

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal

; and

(C)

by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so designated) the following:

(2)

(A)

Subject to subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out using amounts from a grant under subsection (a) in a rural community or a financially distressed community (as those terms are defined in subsection (f)(2)(B)(i)) shall be 90 percent.

(B)

The Administrator may increase the Federal share under subparagraph (A) to 100 percent.

;

(3)

in subsection (f)—

(A)

by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $280,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

by striking To the extent and inserting the following:

(A)

To the extent

; and

(ii)

by adding at the end the following:

(B)

(i)

In this subparagraph:

(I)

The term financially distressed community has the meaning given the term in subsection (c)(1).

(II)

The term rural community means a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of not more than 10,000 inhabitants.

(ii)

(I)

To the extent there are sufficient eligible project applications, the Administrator shall ensure that a State uses not less than 25 percent of the amount of the grants made to the State under subsection (a) in a fiscal year to carry out projects in rural communities or financially distressed communities for the purpose of planning, design, and construction of—

(aa)

treatment works to intercept, transport, control, treat, or reuse municipal sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater; or

(bb)

any other measures to manage, reduce, treat, or recapture stormwater or subsurface drainage water eligible for assistance under section 603(c).

(II)

Of the funds allocated under subclause (I) for the purposes described in that subclause, to the extent there are sufficient eligible project applications, the Administrator shall ensure that a State uses not less than 60 percent to carry out projects in rural communities.

; and

(4)

in subsection (i)—

(A)

in the second sentence, by striking The recommended funding levels and inserting the following:

(B)

The funding levels recommended under subparagraph (A)

;

(B)

in the first sentence, by striking Not later and inserting the following:

(1)

(A)

Not later

; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes the implementation of the grant program under this section, which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the program.

205.

Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

222.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

a municipality; or

(B)

an intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency.

(2)

The term natural hazard means a hazard caused by natural forces, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and extreme drought conditions.

(3)

The term program means the clean water infrastructure resilience and sustainability program established under subsection (b).

(b)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a clean water infrastructure resilience and sustainability program under which the Administrator shall award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of increasing the resilience of publicly owned treatment works to a natural hazard or a cybersecurity threat.

(c)

An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall use the grant funds for planning, designing, or constructing projects (on a system-wide or area-wide basis) that increase the resilience of a publicly owned treatment works to a natural hazard or a cybersecurity threat through—

(1)

the conservation of water;

(2)

the enhancement of water use efficiency;

(3)

the enhancement of wastewater and stormwater management by increasing watershed preservation and protection, including through the use of—

(A)

natural and engineered green infrastructure; and

(B)

reclamation and reuse of wastewater and stormwater, such as aquifer recharge zones;

(4)

the modification or relocation of an existing publicly owned treatment works, conveyance, or discharge system component that is at risk of being significantly impaired or damaged by a natural hazard;

(5)

the development and implementation of projects to increase the resilience of publicly owned treatment works to a natural hazard or a cybersecurity threat, as applicable; or

(6)

the enhancement of energy efficiency or the use and generation of recovered or renewable energy in the management, treatment, or conveyance of wastewater or stormwater.

(d)

(1)

a proposal of the project to be planned, designed, or constructed using funds under the program;

(2)

an identification of the natural hazard risk or potential cybersecurity threat, as applicable, to be addressed by the proposed project;

(3)

documentation prepared by a Federal, State, regional, or local government agency of the natural hazard risk or potential cybersecurity threat, as applicable, of the area where the proposed project is to be located;

(4)

a description of any recent natural hazard events or cybersecurity threats that have affected the publicly owned treatment works;

(5)

a description of how the proposed project would improve the performance of the publicly owned treatment works under an anticipated natural hazard or cybersecurity threat, as applicable; and

(6)

an explanation of how the proposed project is expected to enhance the resilience of the publicly owned treatment works to an anticipated natural hazard or cybersecurity threat, as applicable.

(e)

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (2), a grant under the program shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the proposed project.

(2)

(A)

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a grant under the program shall not exceed 90 percent of the total cost of the proposed project if the project serves a community that—

(i)

has a population of fewer than 10,000 individuals; or

(ii)

meets the affordability criteria established by the State in which the community is located under section 603(i)(2).

(B)

At the discretion of the Administrator, a grant for a project described in subparagraph (A) may cover 100 percent of the total cost of the proposed project.

(3)

The requirements of section 608 shall apply to a project funded with a grant under the program.

(f)

(1)

a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the program; and

(2)

an accounting of all grants awarded under the program, including a description of each grant recipient and each project funded using a grant under the program.

(g)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

206.

Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.) (as amended by section 205) is amended by adding at the end the following:

223.

(a)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a circuit rider program (referred to in this section as the circuit rider program) under which the Administrator shall award grants to qualified nonprofit entities, as determined by the Administrator, to provide assistance to owners and operators of small and medium publicly owned treatment works to carry out the activities described in section 602(b)(13).

(b)

A grant provided under the circuit rider program shall be in an amount that is not more than $75,000.

(c)

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator establishes the circuit rider program, and every 180 days thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(1)

each recipient of a grant under the circuit rider program; and

(2)

a summary of the activities carried out under the circuit rider program.

(d)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

207.

Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.) (as amended by section 206) is amended by adding at the end the following:

224.

(a)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish an efficiency grant program (referred to in this section as the efficiency grant program) under which the Administrator shall award grants to eligible entities for the replacement or repair of equipment that improves water or energy efficiency of small publicly owned treatment works, as identified in an efficiency audit.

(b)

The Administrator may award a grant under the efficiency grant program to an owner or operator of a small publicly owned treatment works that serves—

(1)

a population of not more than 10,000 people; or

(2)

a disadvantaged community.

(c)

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator establishes the efficiency grant program, and every 180 days thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(1)

each recipient of a grant under the efficiency grant program; and

(2)

a summary of the activities carried out under the efficiency grant program.

(d)

(1)

Of the amounts made available for grants under this section, to the extent that there are sufficient applications, not less than 15 percent shall be used for grants to publicly owned treatment works that serve fewer than 3,300 people.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under this section, not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

208.

Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.) (as amended by section 207) is amended by adding at the end the following:

225.

(a)

In this section, the term eligible individual means a member of a low-income or moderate-income household, the members of which have a combined income (for the most recent 12-month period for which information is available) equal to not more than 50 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income for the State or territory in which the household is located, according to the most recent decennial census.

(b)

(1)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of improving general welfare by providing assistance to eligible individuals—

(A)

for the construction, repair, or replacement of an individual household decentralized wastewater treatment system; or

(B)

for the installation of a larger decentralized wastewater system designed to provide treatment for 2 or more households in which eligible individuals reside, if—

(i)

site conditions at the households are unsuitable for the installation of an individually owned decentralized wastewater system;

(ii)

multiple examples of unsuitable site conditions exist in close geographic proximity to each other; and

(iii)

a larger decentralized wastewater system could be cost-effectively installed.

(2)

To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a private nonprofit organization shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.

(3)

In awarding grants under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to applicants that have substantial expertise and experience in promoting the safe and effective use of individual household decentralized wastewater systems.

(4)

A private nonprofit organization may use amounts provided under this subsection to pay the administrative expenses associated with the provision of the services described in paragraph (1), as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.

(c)

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), a private nonprofit organization shall use a grant provided under subsection (b) for the services described in paragraph (1) of that subsection.

(2)

To be eligible to receive the services described in subsection (b)(1), an eligible individual shall submit to the private nonprofit organization serving the area in which the individual household decentralized wastewater system of the eligible individuals is, or is proposed to be, located an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the private nonprofit organization determines to be appropriate.

(3)

In awarding assistance under this subsection, a private nonprofit organization shall give priority to any eligible individual who does not have access to a sanitary sewage disposal system.

(d)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing the recipients of grants under the program under this section and the results of the program under this section.

(e)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

209.

Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.) (as amended by section 208) is amended by adding at the end the following:

226.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

an owner or operator of a publicly owned treatment works that assists or is seeking to assist low-income or moderate-income individuals with connecting the household of the individual to the publicly owned treatment works; or

(B)

a nonprofit entity that assists low-income or moderate-income individuals with the costs associated with connecting the household of the individual to a publicly owned treatment works.

(2)

The term program means the competitive grant program established under subsection (b).

(3)

The term qualified individual has the meaning given the term eligible individual in section 603(j).

(b)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a competitive grant program with the purpose of improving general welfare, under which the Administrator awards grants to eligible entities to provide funds to assist qualified individuals in covering the costs incurred by the qualified individual in connecting the household of the qualified individual to a publicly owned treatment works.

(c)

(1)

An eligible entity seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may by regulation require.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Administrator receives an application from an eligible entity under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall notify the eligible entity of whether the Administrator will award a grant to the eligible entity under the program.

(d)

In selecting recipients of grants under the program, the Administrator shall use the following criteria:

(1)

Whether the eligible entity seeking a grant provides services to, or works directly with, qualified individuals.

(2)

Whether the eligible entity seeking a grant—

(A)

has an existing program to assist in covering the costs incurred in connecting a household to a publicly owned treatment works; or

(B)

seeks to create a program described in subparagraph (A).

(e)

(1)

Before providing funds to a qualified individual for the costs described in subsection (b), an eligible entity shall ensure that—

(A)

the qualified individual has connected to the publicly owned treatment works voluntarily; and

(B)

if the eligible entity is not the owner or operator of the publicly owned treatment works to which the qualified individual has connected, the publicly owned treatment works to which the qualified individual has connected has agreed to the connection.

(2)

An eligible entity that is an owner or operator of a publicly owned treatment works may reimburse a qualified individual that has already incurred the costs described in subsection (b) by—

(A)

reducing the amount otherwise owed by the qualified individual to the owner or operator for wastewater or other services provided by the owner or operator; or

(B)

providing a direct payment to the qualified individual.

(f)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

(A)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), to the extent that there are sufficient applications, not less than 15 percent shall be used to make grants to—

(i)

eligible entities described in subsection (a)(1)(A) that are owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works that serve fewer than 3,300 people; and

(ii)

eligible entities described in subsection (a)(1)(B) that provide the assistance described in that subsection in areas that are served by publicly owned treatment works that serve fewer than 3,300 people.

(B)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

210.

(a)

(1)

Section 603 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and provided in subsection (k) after State law;

(B)

in subsection (i)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking , including forgiveness of principal and negative interest loans and inserting (including forgiveness of principal, grants, negative interest loans, other loan forgiveness, and through buying, refinancing, or restructuring debt); and

(ii)

in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

(B)

For each fiscal year, of the amount of the capitalization grant received by the State under this title, the total amount of additional subsidization made available by a State under paragraph (1)—

(i)

may not exceed 30 percent; and

(ii)

to the extent that there are sufficient applications for assistance to communities described in that paragraph, may not be less than 10 percent.

; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(k)

A State may use an additional 2 percent of the funds annually allotted to each State under this section for nonprofit organizations (as defined in section 104(w)) to provide technical assistance to rural, small, and tribal publicly owned treatment works (within the meaning of section 104(b)(8)(B)) in the State.

(2)

Section 104(w) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(w)) is amended by striking treatments works and inserting treatment works.

(b)

Section 607 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1387) is amended to read as follows:

607.

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title—

(1)

$2,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(2)

$2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(3)

$3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

(4)

$3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

211.

Section 4304 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (42 U.S.C. 300j–19e) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(3)—

(A)

in subparagraph (A), by inserting Tribal, after State,; and

(B)

in subparagraph (B), by striking community-based organizations and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:

community-based organizations and public works departments or agencies to align water and wastewater utility workforce recruitment efforts, training programs, retention efforts, and community resources with water and wastewater utilities—

(i)

to accelerate career pipelines;

(ii)

to ensure the sustainability of the water and wastewater utility workforce; and

(iii)

to provide access to workforce opportunities.

;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

by striking subparagraph (B);

(ii)

in subparagraph (A), by striking ; and at the end and inserting , which may include—

(iii)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking program— and all that follows through to assist in subparagraph (A) and inserting program to assist; and

(iv)

by adding at the end the following:

(A)

expanding the use and availability of activities and resources that relate to the recruitment, including the promotion of diversity within that recruitment, of individuals to careers in the water and wastewater utility sector;

(B)

expanding the availability of training opportunities for—

(i)

individuals entering into the water and wastewater utility sector; and

(ii)

individuals seeking to advance careers within the water and wastewater utility sector; and

(C)

expanding the use and availability of activities and strategies, including the development of innovative activities and strategies, that relate to the maintenance and retention of a sustainable workforce in the water and wastewater utility sector.

;

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking institutions— and inserting institutions, or public works departments and agencies—; and

(ii)

in subparagraph (A)—

(I)

by striking clauses (ii) and (iii);

(II)

in clause (i), by adding or at the end;

(III)

by redesignating clause (i) as clause (ii);

(IV)

by inserting before clause (ii) (as so redesignated) the following:

(i)

in the development of educational or recruitment materials and activities, including those materials and activities that specifically promote diversity within recruitment, for the water and wastewater utility workforce;

; and

(V)

by adding at the end the following:

(iii)

developing activities and strategies that relate to the maintenance and retention of a sustainable workforce in the water and wastewater utility sector; and

;

(C)

in paragraph (3)—

(i)

in subparagraph (D)(ii), by inserting or certification after training; and

(ii)

in subparagraph (E), by striking ensure that incumbent water and waste water utilities workers and inserting are designed to retain incumbent water and wastewater utility workforce workers by ensuring that those workers; and

(D)

by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

(4)

(A)

The Administrator shall establish and coordinate a Federal interagency working group to address recruitment, training, and retention challenges in the water and wastewater utility workforce, which shall include representatives from—

(i)

the Department of Education;

(ii)

the Department of Labor;

(iii)

the Department of Agriculture;

(iv)

the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

(v)

other Federal agencies, as determined to be appropriate by the Administrator.

(B)

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, the Administrator, in coordination with the working group established under subparagraph (A), shall submit to Congress a report describing potential solutions to recruitment, training, and retention challenges in the water and wastewater utility workforce.

(5)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

;

(3)

by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively; and

(4)

by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) the following:

(a)

In this section, the term public works department or agency means a political subdivision of a local, county, or regional government that designs, builds, operates, and maintains water infrastructure, sewage and refuse disposal systems, and other public water systems and facilities.

212.

Section 303(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 (33 U.S.C. 1263a(e)) is amended by striking this section and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:

this section—

(1)

$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024;

(2)

$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and

(3)

$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.

213.

(a)

(1)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a competitive grant pilot program (referred to in this section as the pilot program) under which the Administrator may award grants to eligible entities under subsection (b) to establish systems that improve the sharing of information concerning water quality, water infrastructure needs, and water technology, including cybersecurity technology, between States or among counties and other units of local government within a State, which may include—

(A)

establishing a website or data hub to exchange water data, including data on water quality or water technology, including new and emerging, but proven, water technology; and

(B)

intercounty communications initiatives related to water data.

(2)

(A)

The Internet of Water principles developed by the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions shall, to the extent practicable, guide any water data sharing efforts under the pilot program.

(B)

The recipient of a grant under the pilot program to establish a website or data hub described in paragraph (1)(A) shall, to the extent practicable, leverage existing data sharing infrastructure.

(b)

An entity eligible for a grant under the pilot program is—

(1)

a State, county, or other unit of local government that—

(A)

has a coastal watershed with significant pollution levels;

(B)

has a water system with significant pollution levels; or

(C)

has significant individual water infrastructure deficits; or

(2)

a regional consortium established under subsection (d).

(c)

To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an eligible entity under subsection (b) shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(d)

(1)

States may establish regional consortia in accordance with this subsection.

(2)

A regional consortium established under paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

include not fewer than 2 States that have entered into a memorandum of understanding—

(i)

to exchange water data, including data on water quality; or

(ii)

to share information, protocols, and procedures with respect to projects that evaluate, demonstrate, or install new and emerging, but proven, water technology;

(B)

carry out projects—

(i)

to exchange water data, including data on water quality; or

(ii)

that evaluate, demonstrate, or install new and emerging, but proven, water technology; and

(C)

develop a regional intended use plan, in accordance with paragraph (3), to identify projects to carry out, including projects using grants received under this section.

(3)

A regional intended use plan of a regional consortium established under paragraph (1)—

(A)

shall identify projects that the regional consortium intends to carry out, including projects that meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(B); and

(B)

may include—

(i)

projects included in an intended use plan of a State prepared under section 606(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1386(c)) within the regional consortium; and

(ii)

projects not included in an intended use plan of a State prepared under section 606(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1386(c)) within the regional consortium.

(e)

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the pilot program, which shall include—

(1)

a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the pilot program; and

(2)

an accounting of all grants awarded under the program, including a description of each grant recipient and each project funded using a grant under the pilot program.

(f)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

(2)

Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), not more than 35 percent may be used to provide grants to regional consortia established under subsection (d).

214.

Section 5028(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 3907(a)(1)(D)(ii)) is amended by striking final rating opinion letters from at least 2 rating agencies and inserting a final rating opinion letter from at least 1 rating agency.

215.

(a)

Section 5023 of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 3902) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(c)

If the recipient of financial assistance under this subtitle is an eligible entity other than a Federal entity, agency, or instrumentality and the dedicated sources of repayment of that financial assistance are non-Federal revenue sources, the project or asset for which financial assistance is being provided shall, for purposes of budgetary treatment under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.)—

(1)

be deemed to be non-Federal; and

(2)

be treated as a direct loan or loan guarantee.

(b)

Section 5033 of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 3912) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:

(3)

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this subtitle $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

;

(2)

in subsection (b)(2)—

(A)

in the paragraph heading, by striking 2020 and 2021 and inserting after 2019; and

(B)

by striking 2020 and 2021 and inserting 2022 through 2026; and

(3)

in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2020 and 2021 and inserting 2022 through 2026.

216.

(a)

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, using environmental justice data of the Environmental Protection Agency, including data from the environmental justice mapping and screening tool of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator shall carry out an analysis under which the Administrator shall assess the programs under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) and section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–12) to identify historical distributions of funds to small and disadvantaged communities and new opportunities and methods to improve on the distribution of funds under those programs to low-income communities, rural communities, minority communities, and communities of indigenous peoples, in accordance with Executive Order 12898 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; 60 Fed. Reg. 6381; relating to Federal actions to address environmental justice in minority populations and low-income populations).

(b)

On completion of the analysis under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing—

(1)

the results of the analysis; and

(2)

the criteria the Administrator used in carrying out the analysis.

217.

(a)

In this section:

(1)

The term center means a center of excellence for stormwater control infrastructure established under subsection (b)(1).

(2)

The term eligible entity means—

(A)

a State, Tribal, or local government; or

(B)

a local, regional, or other public entity that manages stormwater or wastewater resources or other related water infrastructure.

(3)

The term eligible institution means an institution of higher education, a research institution, or a nonprofit organization—

(A)

that has demonstrated excellence in researching and developing new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies; and

(B)

with respect to a nonprofit organization, the core mission of which includes water management, as determined by the Administrator.

(b)

(1)

(A)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to establish and maintain not less than 3, and not more than 5, centers of excellence for new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies, to be located in various regions throughout the United States.

(B)

Each center shall—

(i)

conduct research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies that are relevant to the geographical region in which the center is located, including stormwater and sewer overflow reduction, other approaches to water resource enhancement, alternative funding approaches, and other environmental, economic, and social benefits, with the goal of improving the effectiveness, cost efficiency, and protection of public safety and water quality;

(ii)

maintain a listing of—

(I)

stormwater control infrastructure needs; and

(II)

an analysis of new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies that are available;

(iii)

analyze whether additional financial programs for the implementation of new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies would be useful;

(iv)

provide information regarding research conducted under clause (i) to the national electronic clearinghouse center for publication on the Internet website established under paragraph (3)(B)(i) to provide to the Federal Government and State, Tribal, and local governments and the private sector information regarding new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies;

(v)

provide technical assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments to assist with the construction, operation, and maintenance of stormwater control infrastructure projects that use innovative technologies;

(vi)

collaborate with institutions of higher education and private and public organizations, including community-based public-private partnerships and other stakeholders, in the geographical region in which the center is located; and

(vii)

coordinate with the other centers to avoid duplication of efforts.

(2)

To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall prepare and submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.

(3)

Of the centers established under paragraph (1)(A), 1 shall—

(A)

be designated as the national electronic clearinghouse center; and

(B)

in addition to the other functions of that center—

(i)

develop, operate, and maintain an Internet website and a public database that contains information relating to new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies; and

(ii)

post to the website information from all centers.

(4)

(A)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(B)

Of the amounts made available for grants under subparagraph (A), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

(c)

(1)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to carry out stormwater control infrastructure projects that incorporate new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control technologies in accordance with this subsection.

(2)

(A)

The Administrator may make planning and development grants under this subsection for the following projects:

(i)

Planning and designing stormwater control infrastructure projects that incorporate new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control technologies, including engineering surveys, landscape plans, maps, and implementation plans.

(ii)

Identifying and developing standards necessary to accommodate stormwater control infrastructure projects, including those projects that incorporate new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control technologies.

(iii)

Identifying and developing fee structures to provide financial support for design, installation, and operations and maintenance of stormwater control infrastructure, including new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies.

(iv)

Developing approaches for community-based public-private partnerships for the financing and construction of stormwater control infrastructure technologies, including feasibility studies, stakeholder outreach, and needs assessments.

(v)

Developing and delivering training and educational materials regarding new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies for distribution to—

(I)

individuals and entities with applicable technical knowledge; and

(II)

the public.

(B)

The Administrator may make implementation grants under this subsection for the following projects:

(i)

Installing new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure technologies.

(ii)

Protecting or restoring interconnected networks of natural areas that protect water quality.

(iii)

Monitoring and evaluating the environmental, economic, or social benefits of stormwater control infrastructure technologies that incorporate new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control technology.

(iv)

Implementing a best practices standard for stormwater control infrastructure programs.

(3)

Except as otherwise provided in this section, to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall prepare and submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including, as applicable—

(A)

a description of the stormwater control infrastructure project that incorporates new and emerging, but proven, technologies;

(B)

a plan for monitoring the impacts of the stormwater control infrastructure project on the water quality and quantity;

(C)

an evaluation of other environmental, economic, and social benefits of the stormwater control infrastructure project; and

(D)

a plan for the long-term operation and maintenance of the stormwater control infrastructure project and a tracking system, such as asset management practices.

(4)

In making grants under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to applications submitted on behalf of—

(A)

a community that—

(i)

has combined storm and sanitary sewers in the collection system of the community; or

(ii)

is a small, rural, or disadvantaged community, as determined by the Administrator; or

(B)

an eligible entity that will use not less than 15 percent of the grant to provide service to a small, rural, or disadvantaged community, as determined by the Administrator.

(5)

(A)

(i)

The amount of a single planning and development grant provided under this subsection shall be not more than $200,000.

(ii)

The total amount of all planning and development grants provided under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be not more than 1/3 of the total amount made available to carry out this subsection.

(B)

(i)

The amount of a single implementation grant provided under this subsection shall be not more than $2,000,000.

(ii)

The total amount of all implementation grants provided under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be not more than 2/3 of the total amount made available to carry out this subsection.

(6)

(A)

Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share of a grant provided under this subsection shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost.

(B)

The Administrator shall credit toward the non-Federal share of the cost of an implementation project carried out under this subsection the cost of planning, design, and construction work completed for the project using funds other than funds provided under this section.

(C)

The Administrator may waive the Federal share limitation under subparagraph (A) for an eligible entity that has adequately demonstrated financial need.

(d)

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator first awards a grant under this section, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that includes, with respect to the period covered by the report—

(1)

a description of all grants provided under this section;

(2)

a detailed description of—

(A)

the projects supported by those grants; and

(B)

the outcomes of those projects;

(3)

a description of the improvements in technology, environmental benefits, resources conserved, efficiencies, and other benefits of the projects funded under this section;

(4)

recommendations for improvements to promote and support new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure, including research into new and emerging technologies, for the centers, grants, and activities under this section; and

(5)

a description of existing challenges concerning the use of new and emerging, but proven, stormwater control infrastructure.

(e)

(1)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section (except for subsection (b)) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(2)

Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.

218.

(a)

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a Water Reuse Interagency Working Group (referred to in this section as the Working Group).

(b)

The purpose of the Working Group is to develop and coordinate actions, tools, and resources to advance water reuse across the United States, including through the implementation of a National Water Reuse Action Plan that creates opportunities for water reuse in the mission areas of each of the Federal agencies included in the Working Group under subsection (c) (referred to in this section as the Action Plan).

(c)

The Working Group shall be—

(1)

chaired by the Administrator; and

(2)

comprised of senior representatives from such Federal agencies as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.

(d)

In carrying out this section, the Working Group shall—

(1)

with respect to water reuse, leverage the expertise of industry, the research community, nongovernmental organizations, and government;

(2)

seek to foster water reuse as an important component of integrated water resources management;

(3)

conduct an assessment of new opportunities to advance water reuse and annually update the Action Plan with new actions, as necessary, to pursue those opportunities;

(4)

seek to coordinate Federal programs and policies to support the adoption of water reuse;

(5)

consider how each Federal agency can explore and identify opportunities to support water reuse through the programs and activities of that Federal agency; and

(6)

consult, on a regular basis, with representatives of relevant industries, the research community, and nongovernmental organizations.

(e)

Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the activities and findings of the Working Group.

(f)

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), the Working Group shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

(2)

The Administrator may extend the date of termination of the Working Group under paragraph (1).

219.

(a)

Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall carry out a study that examines the state of existing and potential future technology, including technology that could address cybersecurity threats, that enhances or could enhance the treatment, monitoring, affordability, efficiency, and safety of wastewater services provided by a treatment works (as defined in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292)).

(b)

220.

(a)

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the Administrator shall—

(1)

conduct and complete an assessment of wastewater system capital improvement needs of all treatment works (as defined in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292)) in the United States that are eligible for assistance from State water pollution control revolving funds established under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.); and

(2)

submit to Congress a report describing the results of the assessment completed under paragraph (1).

(b)

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the initial needs survey under subsection (a) $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.

S. 914 (117^th): Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021

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S. 914 (117th): Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021

This bill has 3 versions. Select a version to view: Mar 23, 2021: Introduced Apr 14, 2021: Reported by Senate Committee Apr 29, 2021: Passed the Senate

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S. 914 (117^th): Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021

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