S.1019 - Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1019, the "Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act," aims to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It seeks to establish an emergency preparedness and response technical assistance program. This program will assist rural water and wastewater systems in preparing for and responding to natural or manmade disasters.
The bill authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to eligible nonprofit entities. These entities will then assist rural water and wastewater systems. The authorized appropriation is $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
This act focuses on improving the resilience of rural water systems to disasters, ensuring continued access to clean water and wastewater services in rural communities.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to the creation of a grant program. This program would fund technical assistance for rural water and wastewater systems. These systems would be better prepared for and able to respond to disasters.
Eligible activities include providing on-site personnel and equipment, coordinating with emergency response networks, and developing disaster action plans. It also includes improving resiliency planning and conducting damage assessments.
Ultimately, this should improve the reliability and safety of water and wastewater services in rural areas during and after disasters.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced disaster preparedness for rural water and wastewater systems.
- Improved coordination between local, state, and federal agencies during emergencies.
- Increased access to clean water and wastewater services in rural communities during and after disasters.
- Support for disadvantaged communities in addressing health and safety concerns related to water and wastewater systems.
- Potential for job creation in the nonprofit sector through the administration of the grant program.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient use of funds if grants are not properly managed or targeted.
- Possible delays in implementation of the program.
- Limited impact if the authorized funding is insufficient to address the needs of all rural water and wastewater systems.
- Risk of funds being used for activities that duplicate existing federal programs.
- The 25% limitation on equipment purchases might hinder effective disaster response in some cases.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble). This clause allows Congress to enact legislation that promotes the well-being of the nation. Providing clean water and wastewater services, especially in times of disaster, falls under this purview.
Additionally, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The establishment of the program and the allocation of funds are within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which outlines the powers of Congress to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
However, the implementation of the program must adhere to principles of federalism, respecting the roles of state and local governments in managing water and wastewater systems.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).