Legislative Options for Financing Water Infrastructure

Authored By:

Claudia Copeland, Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy
Steven Maguire, Section Research Manager
William J. Mallett, Specialist in Transportation Policy

"This report addresses several options considered by Congress to address the financing needs of local communities for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects and to decrease or close the gap between available funds and projected needs. Some of the options exist and are well established, but they are under discussion for expansion or modification. Other innovative policy options for water infrastructure have been proposed, especially to supplement or complement existing financing tools. Some are intended to provide robust, long-term revenue to support existing financing programs and mechanisms. Some are intended to encourage private participation in financing of drinking water and wastewater projects."