The Committee will hold a legislative hearing on the bill on February 26, 2002.

Jeffords, the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said, "This legislation seeks to provide additional resources to states and localities to meet water infrastructure needs. Simultaneously, it seeks to move the state-of-the art in water program management forward by increasing the flexibility offered to states in administering their water programs. This will ensure that "next generation" of water quality issues receive the appropriate focus, and institutionalize financial management capacity in our nation's water systems. In this country we tend to take for granted clean water in our faucets and well-functioning, hidden sewage treatment systems. However, without vigilance, these luxuries can quickly disappear. The Water Infrastructure Act of 2002 will help our communities be better prepared."

Smith, the Senior Republican of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said, "The Water Investment Act of 2002 will provide communities throughout the Nation with essential resources to defray the costs of federal mandates and meet their sewage and drinking water needs. This bill is critical to the health and welfare of families who depend on the modernization of their town's water infrastructure to maintain safe drinking water and proper sewer disposal. The act also addresses much needed improvements to the current financial management of local facilities, an important component to ensuring towns and cities will have adequate funding for their future water needs."

Graham, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water said, "I am delighted that we are introducing this bill after almost a year of hearings in the subcommittee. This bill represents a new awareness on the part of the federal government that our nation's water supply is becoming an increasingly precious resource. Sections of the country that had an abundance of water are now looking at restrictions. This legislation moves us toward suggestions of ways in which the supplies we have can be used more effectively and new supplies can be developed. The bill represents a recognition that the federal government will be working with states and localities to accomplish these goals."

Crapo, the Senior Republican of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water said, "This legislation represents a significant step forward in modernizing and improving federal investments in the health and safety of Americans served by our nation's utility systems. It will help ensure they continue to enjoy safe and reliable water and wastewater services, while promoting protection of the environment. States currently on the front line of managing assistance programs will benefit from the additional resources and flexibility provided in the bill. Rural areas and our most distressed communities can look forward to the additional efforts to help them better serve the public."