Upton Backs Legislation To Aid Rural Communities With Water Development

Legislation has passed the US House that supporters say will make it easier for smaller, rural communities to build or expand water systems. The Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act, backed by Congressman Fred Upton, cuts some red tape regarding EPA rules. Upton says it will help rural areas better serve their residents while keeping costs down.

“Whether their wells that have come dry, or maybe they’re expanding to a degree and they need a little bit more of that water table than before,” Upton told WSJM. “You’ve got different needs for agriculture and other things going so, this really helps, and  it’s been bipartisan every step of the way.”

Upton says the plan will amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to ease financial burdens faced by small communities when getting approval from the EPA for water projects. It also creates opportunities for communities to get technical assistance from the EPA. He expects the president will sign the legislation by the end of the year.