Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Mike Rogers (AL-03) introduced the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act to address wastewater issues in rural areas of Alabama.
The bill seeks to expand the existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program providing grants to help low and moderate income households to install or upgrade decentralized wastewater systems, said a recent announcement.
"I have seen firsthand the health and environmental hazards caused by failing wastewater systems in rural Alabama," said Sewell. "No family should have to endure these conditions simply because they cannot afford the exorbitant cost of maintaining their own wastewater system or lack access to municipal lines."
"In 2018, we took an important step toward addressing this crisis by making federal grants available to low- and moderate-income households. We are working hard to strengthen and expand this program so that we can provide greater assistance to the families who need it."
The following are actions that the bill will enable if it is passed:
Reauthorizes the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program through 2031
Reinstates eligibility for loans to individuals earning up to 100 percent of the area median income.
Targets funding through subgrants to individuals earning 60 percent or less of the area median income.
Increases the maximum subgrant or loan amount from $15,000 to $20,000.
Allows subgrant funding to include the cost of a performance warranty for individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems.
“Every community in Alabama is affected by rural wastewater access,” said Rep. Rogers. “I am proud to work with my friend from the state of Alabama, Rep. Terri Sewell, to reintroduce legislation for a critical grant program for Alabama’s waterways."
"Through this program, more Alabamians will gain access to the safe water systems they desperately need. I look forward to continuing this bipartisan and bicameral work to see this program reauthorized.”
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...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25.
* WHERE...All of central Alabama.
* WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor pipes they
should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.
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