Statement on the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Senate Infrastructure Legislation

U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s WRRDA legislation:

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors applauds Senators Inhofe and Boxer's bill, S. 2848, as a major step forward to address many of the issues of concern that have been raised by the Mayors of this nation. Mayors are struggling with the issue of rebuilding infrastructure, providing financing, complying with unfunded mandates, and doing it all in a way that remains affordable for their citizens. This bill will provide, among other things, the necessary tools of Integrated Planning, Green Infrastructure, Affordability, as well as new financing tools and funding that will be instrumental as we move forward in helping sustain our infrastructure and provide critical services.

“The measure also authorizes much needed resources to the City of Flint and other cities, which find themselves with a crisis of lead exposure due to their drinking water systems. S. 2848 provides resources to both the public sector and private citizens for lead pipe replacement, loan forgiveness, as well as lead testing in schools and child-care facilities.

“We sincerely thank Senators Inhofe and Boxer for their bipartisan leadership to address our nation’s water infrastructure issues.”