APWA Urges Senate Committee Leaders to Increase Funding for Water/Infrastructure Programs

July 20, 2026

Senator Shelly Moore Capito
Chair, Environment and Public Works Committee
170 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Ranking Member, Environment and Public Works Committee
530 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510

Subject: American Public Works Association Supports S. 4949 – Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Dear Chair Capito and Ranking Member Whitehouse,

The American Public Works Association (APWA) represents 32,000 public works professionals across North America who serve in both the public and private sectors providing expertise at the local, state and federal government levels. Working in the public interest, our members plan, design, build, operate, and maintain, America’s vast infrastructure network that is so fundamental to our economy, environment, public health, and safety. This includes water infrastructure such as ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater, drainage and flood control systems.

APWA members strongly value the partnership, and support Congress provides through its biennial Water Resources Development Act and regular Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act. Well maintained water infrastructure is critical to delivering safe, clean water to communities. For close to 85 years, Congress has provided federal funds through vital infrastructure financing programs to municipalities to address local water quality challenges. These long-standing programs are essential to the strength of our communities and APWA thanks the Senate for its commitment to the water infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment, grow our economy, create jobs, and provide a better quality of life for all Americans. This includes provisions that:

• Reauthorize and increase the funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water state revolving funds and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
• Maintain Congress’ commitment to helping communities remove contaminants, including lead and forever chemicals from water systems.
• Establish a new grant program to support incorporating digital technology into water monitoring.
• Support the long-term growth of the water sector workforce.
• Reaffirm that nonstructural approaches to water resources and comprehensive flood risk management are a part of USACE’s mission.

Every day, public works professionals work diligently to protect and maintain the critical infrastructure that is so essential to protecting our health and quality of life.  APWA looks forward to continuing to work with you and your staff on this legislation to help public works professionals meet our water infrastructure challenges. If you have questions or comments regarding this letter or APWA’s water priorities, please contact APWA Government Affairs Manager Leah Harnish at lharnish@apwa.org or 202-218-6727.

Sincerely,

Vic Bianes, APWA President

Scott D. Grayson, CAE, Chief Executive Officer