Bill Summary
The "Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at improving access to safe drinking water in underprivileged areas by addressing lead contamination. It stipulates that funds allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement projects must be provided specifically to disadvantaged communities. These funds will take the form of forgivable loans or grants, allowing these communities to undertake necessary projects related to the identification, planning, design, and replacement of lead service lines without the burden of repayment. This initiative seeks to enhance public health and ensure equitable access to safe drinking water for communities that may lack the financial resources to address lead contamination issues.
Possible Impacts
The "Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act," as described, could impact people in several ways:
1. **Improved Public Health**: By facilitating the replacement of lead service lines, the legislation aims to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. This is particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to lead’s harmful effects. Consequently, communities may see a decrease in lead-related health issues, such as developmental delays and other serious health conditions.
2. **Economic Relief for Disadvantaged Communities**: The provision of forgivable loans or grants means that disadvantaged communities can access funding without the burden of repayment. This financial support can help alleviate the economic strain on local governments or residents, allowing them to invest in other essential services or infrastructure improvements, ultimately enhancing the community's overall quality of life.
3. **Increased Access to Safe Drinking Water**: By prioritizing funding for lead service line replacements in disadvantaged communities, the legislation aims to ensure that all residents have access to safe and clean drinking water. This can enhance the overall living conditions in these areas, promote equity in public health resources, and foster community pride and stability as residents feel safer in their environment.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4816 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4816
To provide that funds made available under the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement projects be
provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of forgivable loans
or grants, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2025
Mr. Nunn of Iowa (for himself and Mrs. Sykes) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide that funds made available under the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement projects be
provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of forgivable loans
or grants, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Drinking Water for
Disadvantaged Communities Act''.
SEC. 2. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all funds made
available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law
117-58) for capitalization grants for the Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds under section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300j-12) for lead service line replacement projects and
associated activities directly connected to the identification,
planning, design, and replacement of lead service lines shall be
disbursed in the form of forgivable loans or grants to disadvantaged
communities (as defined in section 1452(d)(3) of the Safe Drinking
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-12(d)(3))).
<all>