As President Trump prepares to put infrastructure in the spotlight, we encourage Congress to stand up for greater water infrastructure investment and insist on nature-based solutions to restore and modernize our nation’s infrastructure.
Unfortunately, in communities across the country, clean drinking water is at risk.
Last year, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued a report card on the nation’s infrastructure.
Drinking water systems received “D” grades.
Dear Congress, stand up for water infrastructure investment & nature-based solutions for our nation’s infrastructure.Click To Tweet We must bring our water infrastructure up to modern standards – our health, economy and well-being depend on it.
While fixing old pipes must be on the “to do” list, we should also prioritize nature-based solutions to managing our water resources.
These innovative approaches not only deliver clean water, they have multiple benefits for communities – saving money, creating jobs and improving lives.
It can mean restoring floodplains instead of building taller levees.
Our report “Naturally Stronger” documents how cities including Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Washington, DC are successfully using nature-based solutions to secure reliable water supplies, create good jobs, keep water rates affordable, increase community parks and green space, and reduce flooding.
As President Trump puts infrastructure in the spotlight, American Rivers will be urging Congress to reject the President’s proposals to weaken bedrock environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act.