Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Introduce Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.

Senator Rick Scott said, "It's time to bring the CWSRF into the 21^st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands."

Senator Mark Kelly said, "Arizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn't been updated. Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future."

BACKGROUND:

Each year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades. The outdated distribution allotment hasn't been adjusted since 1987 and doesn't provide for each state's need and population growth.

Florida's current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state's population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida's clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida's allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.

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