Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock and Congresswoman Nikema Williams are introducing legislation to help upgrade Atlanta’s water infrastructure.
Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock recently introduced the City of Atlanta Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act to upgrade water infrastructure for families and businesses across Atlanta. Congresswoman Williams introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The new legislation would expand an existing authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water infrastructure projects in the city, including drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects, which would improve quality of life and strengthen resilience.
Last month, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock and Congresswoman Williams delivered $993,500 through the bipartisan infrastructure law for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review Atlanta’s aging water infrastructure following the recent series of water main breaks that left hundreds of thousands of families and businesses without water.
“Clean, safe, healthy drinking water is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. For families, for seniors, and for businesses in the community, any interruption of safe drinking water is an emergency,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why after recent disruptions in Atlanta, Senator Warnock, Congresswoman Williams, and I are introducing this legislation to help upgrade Atlanta’s water infrastructure.”
“No Georgian should have difficulty accessing clean water. While I’m proud of the important steps we’ve taken through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and more to strengthen our water infrastructure, the recent water crisis in Atlanta highlights how much more work we have left to do on that front,” said Senator Warnock. “That’s why I am proud to work with Senator Ossoff and Congresswoman Williams to introduce this vital legislation for long-term infrastructure upgrades. I will continue to do all I can at the federal level to help bolster local water infrastructure in communities across Georgia.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: “Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and our infrastructure must keep pace with this rapid growth. Reliable access to water is essential for families, for businesses and for the visitors we welcome each day. I am proud to work with our Senators on legislation to ensure long-term upgrades for Atlanta’s aging water infrastructure, safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities now and for generations to come.”
Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen Georgia’s water infrastructure.
Last month, Sen. Ossoff introduced the East Point Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act to upgrade water infrastructure for families and businesses across East Point.
In May, Sen. Ossoff delivered Federal funding to help the City of College Park install a new water storage tank and booster system, which will ensure residents have access to reliable, clean drinking water, and accommodate economic growth in the city, and he delivered new resources to help replace Rockdale County’s 50-year-old water pump station.
In 2022, Sen. Ossoff and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-07) passed into law their Chattahoochee River Act, a first-of-its-kind law that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work on water projects up and down the Chattahoochee River throughout the state of Georgia.
Click here to read the City of Atlanta Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act.
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