On March 31, President Joe Biden unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan called the American Jobs Plan, which included $111 billion for water infrastructure. It also posited an ambitious goal to remove 100% of all lead service lines in the United States to ensure clean drinking water for every American. It also highlighted the importance of investing in Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds and ensuring funding exists for workforce development programs.
Maria Lehman is the U.S. Infrastructure Lead for GHD with 40 years of experience in the water industry, during much of which she has been involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers. Lehman explains how the tone from the White House in early 2021 compares to other administrations throughout her career, and what that could mean for the industry. She also highlights the importance of industry involvement with Congressional leaders to ensure water infrastructure is a priority for federal investment.
- Intro: (0:00)
- The tone from the Biden Administration on water infrastructure: (0:31)
- The importance of the called shot on lead pipe replacement: (2:50)
- How clear, concise goals generate action and results: (4:18)
- Drinking Water SRF and Clean Water SRF funding: (5:00)
- Radhika Fox’s role with EPA Office of Water opens doors: (9:04)
- Equity, affordability and access are baked into the American Jobs Plan: (11:10)
- How the American Jobs Plan addresses workforce development: (13:57)
- Outro: (17:59)
Additional Resources
- Watch last week’s video: https://www.wwdmag.com/videos/popularity-growth-plastic-pipe-wwd-weekly-digest
- Listen to the Talking Under Water Podcast episode featuring Maria Lehman: https://www.wwdmag.com/podcast/talking-under-water-episode-34-women-water
- Watch Darren Olson discuss the ASCE Report Card: https://www.wwdmag.com/videos/asce-water-report-card-overview-wwd-weekly-digest
- Read more about the American Jobs Plan: https://www.wwdmag.com/funding/water-utilities-respond-american-jobs-plan-epa-rountable
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