Senate EPW Approves 'Modified' WIFIA But Critics Fear Funding Problems

The Senate environment panel has approved legislation that contains a narrowed provision to alter EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, drawing praise from rural water utilities but opposition from other drinking water groups who fear the measure will undermine EPA's existing funding mechanisms. At the May 22 markup of S. 2800, Senate Environment & Public Works Committee (EPW) Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) said the manager's amendment “includes language to help smaller rural communities leverage WIFIA dollars so...