A bill designed to both increase state and local water supplies while also modernizing water infrastructure has just been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
The Support to Rehydrate the Environment, Agriculture and Municipalities Act, otherwise known as the STREAM Act, would authorize up to $750 million for water storage construction and $300 million for water recycling systems.
Additional provisions of the legislation call for $100 million to build drinking water systems in disadvantaged communities, as well as $150 million for desalination projects.
The legislation, said Arizona Senator Krysten Sinema, one of the sponsors of the bill, will be particularly helpful for the Grand Canyon State, by “strengthening Arizona’s water storage, recycling, and desalination projects.”
The bill also provides grants for conveyance projects and up to $250 million for environmental restoration benefits. Funding for Arizona would also target the raising of the Verde River’s Bartlett Dam as a means of increasing area water capacity.
In a statement, Dave Eggerton, executive director of the Association of California Water Authorities, praised the legislation, remarking that, if passed, it will “address the current drought and assist communities in preparing for the effects of climate change by utilizing an every-tool-in-the-box approach.”
The measure is now being reviewed by members of the Senate’s Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
By Garry Boulard
