Water treatment facility with large pools of water. By. GETTY IMAGES
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett announced Friday that the U.S. Virgin Islands will soon receive $31,883,000 in federal funding to strengthen drinking and wastewater systems, including the replacement of dangerous lead service lines and pipes.
The funding is being provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and is the first round of a five-year investment authorized by this new law, according to Ms. Plaskett's office.
“Sadly, too many Virgin Island families still don’t have access to clean water – with lead, forever chemicals and other contaminants posing a serious health threat. Thanks to the leadership of President Biden and House Democrats, the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered $31,883,000 for the Virgin Islands to strengthen our water infrastructure and forge important progress toward a lead-free future for all," said the congresswoman in statement.
“Signed into law by President Biden on November 15th, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $50 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency to improve our nation’s water systems – the largest single investment in water in history. Of this total, $15 billion nationally will go toward replacing lead pipes and service lines across the country over the next five years, with a special focus on advancing equity and justice for under-resourced communities," she added.
Ms. Plaskett said that in addition to this funding, under the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Democrats’ Build Back Better Act, which faces strong headwinds in the Senate, would add an additional $10 billion to this water safety effort.
“With the crucial down-payment secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and more money included in our Build Back Better, we will not relent until every community has the safe drinking water they deserve," she said. "I was proud to support these historic and transformative bills, which will make an enormous difference in advancing justice for communities most in need, keeping all Virgin Islanders safe and ensuring our children grow up healthy and strong.”
