California Association of Sanitation Agencies weigh in on drought response legislation

The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) recently addressed legislative priorities for federal drought response in a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

In the letter, CASA highlights previous cooperation with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) on drought legislation, as well as its work with the California House Delegation. The association reiterates the importance of maintaining the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and tax-exempt financing.

The letter also emphasized the importance of three legislative initiatives: water recycling infrastructure and funding for approved Title XVI projects, an assistance program to develop nationwide alternative water supply infrastructures and the extension of SRF terms to allow repayment schemes up to 40 years.

“CASA urges Congress to act quickly on these issues and pursue a hearing on drought legislation including these key principles at the earliest possible opportunity,” the letter said. “Drought conditions threaten the economic security of all Californians as well as their quality of life. If enacted, many of these drought response measures will create sustainable water supplies now and in the years to come.”