Stevens and bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force chair aim to help upgrade wastewater treatment

Stevens’ and Fitzpatrick’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would create a five-year federal grant program to help water utilities install the advanced water treatment technologies needed to remove difficult pollutants, while also protecting against harmful algal blooms.

“Clean water is essential for our health, our economy, and the future of the Great Lakes,” Stevens said in a statement. “Michigan knows all too well the impact of contaminants like PFAS on our communities. This legislation will help utilities deploy next-generation wastewater treatment technologies, modernize infrastructure, and keep water safe and affordable.

If passed, the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would authorize $1 billion in funds over five years for advanced wastewater treatment projects, covering up to 50% of the cost for projects across the nation. It would also direct at least 49% of that funding to communities without the resources to replace the infrastructure on their own and waive their cost-share requirements. Administrative costs would be capped at 1% for the EPA and states who participate in the grant program.