PHOTOS: Assistant Speaker Clark Celebrates New Infrastructure Law & Water Quality Improvements in Natick

In full transparency, the following is a press release from Congresswoman katherine Clark’s office submitted to SOURCE media.

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NATICK – Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-5) hosted a press conference yesterday, December 6, to celebrate the clean water infrastructure provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Biden signed into law on November 15, 2021.

Clark was joined by elected officials from Natick and Wayland and members of the Charles River Watershed Association to discuss the new law’s investments into Massachusetts water infrastructure and funding to detect and remove toxic PFAS chemicals from the water.

In total, this is the largest investment in clean drinking water and waste water infrastructure in American history.

“Access to clean drinking water should be no question in Massachusetts or across America. The new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act makes unprecedented investments in our water infrastructure and ensures everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Assistant Speaker Clark. “With these new funds, we will modernize and strengthen our water infrastructure while removing and detecting harmful PFAS toxins — a reality the Fifth District knows all too well. My message is as clear as your water will be: Washington is delivering results and a better, healthier future for everyone.”

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Under the new law, Massachusetts will receive $1.1 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities. 

In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest $55 billion to expand access to clean drinking water for households, businesses, schools, and child care centers all across the country. From rural towns to struggling cities, the legislation will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in Tribal Nations and disadvantaged communities that need it most.

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Specifically, the infrastructure law includes:

• $10 billion dedicated to eliminating and detecting PFAS chemicals from water, $23 million will be distributed this year and will be targeted toward underserved and disadvantaged communities
• $15 billion to replace lead pipes in the nation’s drinking water system
• $350 million annually in new grant programs to help low-income households connect to existing drinking water or wastewater treatment systems
• $250 million for water infrastructure resiliency and sustainability grant programs
• Funding to create a new pilot grant program to assist qualifying households with maintaining access to affordable drinking water and wastewater treatment

State Rep. David Linsky and Natick Select Board member Paul Joseph also spoke at the press conference yesterday.

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