Article Summary –
Wisconsin has received an initial $460,000 grant from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up contaminated small public water systems, with an expected total of over $2.3 million to address contaminants like PFAS. The funds are part of President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aims to enhance federal investments in various infrastructure sectors and includes a program to help states remove hazardous substances from drinking water. The initiative, supported by Democratic politicians, faces opposition from Republican figures, highlighting the political divide over federal infrastructure spending.
Wisconsin has been awarded $460,000 in initial grants to clean up contaminated small public water systems, announced Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on Sept. 24. The state expects over $2.3 million in total funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supported by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan.
President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act increased federal investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, transit, broadband, and electrical grids. Its Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program provides funds to help states remove forever chemicals like PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water.
Baldwin, running for reelection this November against Republican Eric Hovde, who opposed the law, emphasized the importance of clean water access regardless of ZIP code. “I’m proud to work with state and local partners to help communities identify, treat, and eliminate emerging chemicals that threaten our health,” Baldwin said in a statement from Evers’ office.
Gov. Evers also stressed the importance of safe water, particularly for families and children. “These funds will help address water systems that are otherwise neglected, ensuring Wisconsinites have clean, safe water at home, school, and work,” he stated.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS exposure is linked to increased cancer risk, developmental issues in children, decreased fertility, and weakened immune systems. PFAS contamination has been detected in several Wisconsin communities, including French Island, Madison, Marinette, Stella, and the Bay of Green Bay.
Baldwin was among the 69 senators who supported the 2021 infrastructure package. Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson and GOP Reps. Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Bryan Steil, and Tom Tiffany voted against it.
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to upgrade U.S. infrastructure but failed to deliver while in office. He refused to negotiate infrastructure legislation if House Democrats continued investigations into his administration. After Biden’s election in 2020, Trump warned Republicans against supporting the infrastructure package, calling them “RINO Republicans” in a public statement.
—
Read More Wisconsin News
