WASHINGTON – December 03, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday voted to send a bill that supports rural and small community waters systems in Oklahoma and across the country to the president’s desk. S. 611, the Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act, a bill that reauthorizes federal assistance programs for small public water systems, passed the House unanimously.
“I understand the unique challenges small and rural drinking water supply systems face when it comes to achieving and maintaining federal drinking water standards,” said Mullin. “We must provide our water suppliers with the resources and support they need to keep water safe and affordable in our communities.”
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for drinking water quality and monitors the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. Small and rural communities rely on grants and on-site technical assistance and training for compliance with EPA regulations. S. 611 reauthorizes these programs. Small water systems can apply to receive awards through grants or cooperative agreements with non-profits that provide certain on-site or regional assistance programs.
James Gammill, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association, shared his support for S. 611 and thanked Mullin for his help advancing the bill.
“On-site technical assistance encourages local responsibility and education to prevent future noncompliance. Without these initiatives, effective implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act in rural areas would be nearly impossible,” said Gammill. “We are grateful for Congressman Mullin’s support on S. 611.”
S. 611 passed the U.S. Senate on June 9, 2015.
