The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®), publisher of the American National Standard Uniform Codes, enthusiastically applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that makes vital investments in the nation’s infrastructure, including funding for water and sanitation, roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, electric grid, broadband and other priorities. The legislation provides $944 billion in total spending over five years, totaling $550 billion in new spending, and represents a significant infusion of federal funding for U.S. public works across numerous industries.
Up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and childcare centers lack safe drinking water. This new legislation invests $55 billion to expand access to clean drinking water for households, businesses, schools, and childcare centers across the country. From rural towns to struggling cities, the legislation will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in tribal nations and disadvantaged communities.
“Access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation is a basic human right that the plumbing industry strives every day to make a reality,” said IAPMO Executive Vice President for Government Relations Dain Hansen. “Included in this bill is funding for new and existing programs that will help us to provide life-changing services to communities who need it most.”
Among the items supported by IAPMO, the legislation includes:
IAPMO, through its charitable arm IWSH, has been actively working to expand access to water and sanitation systems in the United States. Wastewater infrastructure in the communities where IWSH works is either failing, inadequate, or non-existent. This leads to the perpetual presence of wastewater in and around homes and takes a significant toll on individuals’ mental and physical health. Through IWSH projects in Alabama, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, The IAPMO Group is working to ensure communities have adequate sanitation in order to break cycles of poverty and marginalization and increase opportunities for education and employment.