The Daily Item
May 22, 2024
The Standard-Journal
May 21, 2024
Sometimes when opening the water tap for clean, safe water, I think about the millions of people globally and in the U.S. who aren’t as fortunate. Some folks consume lead from aging pipes; others ingest chemicals leached from gas drilling or farm runoff. Money must be spent on this essential system, which includes 2.2 million miles of pipes nationwide.
PA American Water announced it will rehabilitate 10 water tanks and construct four more, one locally, in McEwensville in Northumberland County. Unexciting news, perhaps, but it’s essential maintenance for customers’ needs, water quality, and fire protection. That is just the beginning.
Why? On May 13, the Biden-Harris Administration kicked off Infrastructure Week. Forbes magazine reported that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan will provide nearly $454 billion in funding for more than 56,000 specific projects and awards across 4,500 communities in all 50 states, Washington, DC, U.S. territories, and tribal governments.
That includes more than $894 million just for Pennsylvania clean water projects, including replacing toxic lead pipes. Forbes stated that Infrastructure Week used to be a punchline to a joke, but this time is different. It’s real, and it is huge. President Joe Biden worked with Congress to get this legislation passed. His accomplishments provide major benefits and employ lots of folks in good-paying jobs. This is a critical investment in our society and economy for everyone and for future generations.
Carolyn Coldren
Lewisburg