WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed S. 611, the Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act – companion legislation to H.R. 2853, a bill introduced by Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Vice Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Ranking Minority member Paul Tonko (D-NY). The bipartisan bill aims to help maintain safe drinking water in rural America. Many smaller and rural communities around the United States face technical and financial challenges when it comes to complying with regulations under the Safe Water Drinking Act. The legislation now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

Watch Vice Chairman Gregg Harper’s Floor Remarks HERE.

Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) stated, “Today’s vote is a major win for hard working residents of small and rural communities across Illinois and the country. Many in these areas face significant challenges in replacing, maintaining, and upgrading their aging water infrastructure, but with the help of this bill communities will get the technical assistance they need to better manage the increased costs and burdens of the Safe Water Drinking Act. Rural communities deserve every bit of the high water quality and advanced resources that folks who live in more populated areas receive and this bill is an important step toward ensuring they receive just that.”

Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “This bipartisan bill is a big win for our smaller and more rural communities throughout Southwest Michigan. These communities often face real challenges trying to comply with federal safe drinking water regulations, and this bill will help level the playing field. As a result, families across Southwest Michigan will have easier access to safe drinking water.”

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