AI Interview: Clarence E. Anthony
Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities (NLC) underscores the urgent need for sustained federal investment to ensure safe, reliable and modern water infrastructure across America’s communities
American Infrastructure: Why is water infrastructure such a critical issue many communities face?
Clarence E. Anthony: Water is the lifeline of communities, supporting public health, economic development and job creation. It is essential in every aspect of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the clothing we wear to the devices we communicate with. Yet, the municipal infrastructure systems that
support clean and safe water are often out of sight and out of mind for the average person, until
there is a water main break, flooding event or severe drought that brings to light the fragile state
of our nation’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
AI: What is the long-term investment needed for water infrastructure nationwide?
CA: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 Clean Watershed Needs Survey and 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey found that wastewater, stormwater and drinking water systems will need an investment of more than $630 billion and $625 billion, respectively, over the next 20 years to keep up with regular infrastructure maintenance and stay compliant with federal laws. When modernization such as removal of lead pipes or technology updates are included, this number expands to $3.4 trillion over the next 20 years. These numbers are staggering and the investment needs in any one community, particularly a rural, small or mid-sized community, are often beyond what residents and the community can afford.
AI: How are cities funding improvements of their water systems?
CA: While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provided a historic $50 billion for water infrastructure programs, the needs in communities are far greater. In a recent NLC survey of cities, 71% of respondents identified water systems as the top and most needed infrastructure Priority For example, the City of East Point, Georgia, is undergoing a multi-year $1.4 million project to modernize the water treatment plant and install Granular Activated Carbon filters to remove PFAS and other contaminants from the city’s drinking water supply.
The City of Hattiesburg, MI, is pursuing a series of projects to address sewer overflows and improve the city’s wastewater system. Part of a 16-year consent decree, the city is upgrading pump stations, sewer lines, manholes and more. Compliance with the requirements of the consent decree is estimated at approximately $45 million. Projects like these are funded primarily through billpayers. In fact, local governments fund over 98% of all capital, operations and maintenance investment in drinking water, wastewater and sewer infrastructure, including investing around $171 billion in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Census.
AI: What is your outlook on the future of water management?
CA: As we approach the end of the IIJA authorization and funding, cities, towns and villages need a
federal partnership to continue rebuilding infrastructure that meets the needs of residents and businesses. That is why NLC and local leaders urge Congress to reauthorize and fully fund core water infrastructure financing programs like the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, as well as targeted grant programs that support small and disadvantaged communities, support rural communities, help reduce lead in drinking water and the removal of PFAS and other emerging contaminants, promote resilience and sustainability within the water sector, assist with stormwater management, advance technology innovation within water systems and more. NLC’s report concludes that direct federal-to-local grants remain the most efficient way to ensure local governments can address infrastructure needs quickly and completely. These foundational federal programs are essential to ensuring safe, reliable and affordable drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in communities. Long-term federal support helps communities plan and finance capital improvements communities need now and in the future.
This interview is featured in our January issue of American Infrastructure, read the print version here.
