Mrvan Testimony Before Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan addressed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure during their Member Day Hearing.
A video of his testimony is available here and the text of the full statement as prepared for delivery is below.
Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, Subcommittee Chair Napolitano and Ranking Member Rouzer, I appreciate the opportunity to testify at today’s hearing on the Water Resources Development Act of 2022.
On behalf of Indiana’s First Congressional District, located in the environs of Chicago and home to 44 miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline, I am seeking an increase of $25 million in the federal authorization for the Section 219 - Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure Authority, from $100 million to $125 million.
As you know, the Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure Authority is currently established under WRDA 1992, Section 219, as amended by WRDA 1996, Section 504 and WRDA 1999, Section 502, and FY04 Appropriation Bill, Section 145.
The Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure Authority allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide technical planning, design, and construction to non-federal interests who have environmental infrastructure needs in Indiana’s First Congressional District. These needs include development of wastewater treatment and related facilities and water supply, treatment and distribution facilities. Over the past decades, this program authority has been integral to the efforts of local communities to improve our quality of place, safeguard the public health, and improve sustainability of water resources.
Northwest Indiana is home to major industrial and manufacturing interests, and our communities rely on sewer systems that are currently operating beyond their expected life-cycle. This situation has resulted in frequent sewage backups in environmental justice communities. During more frequent significant weather events, untreated municipal discharges empty into Lake Michigan, which poses a public health and environmental threat to our region and beyond.
A $25 million increase in Section 219 funding authority for the Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure Authority will ensure continued construction assistance that will eliminate or improve combined sewer systems, reduce pollution in our waterways, remove failing septic systems, and provide clean drinking water, as well as additional water-related infrastructure, designed to protect area rivers and streams leading into Lake Michigan.
In conclusion, I am requesting a $25 million increase in the Section 219 - Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure Authority, and believe that this authority remains an indispensable resource for Northwest Indiana to grow our economy and improve our quality of life. Thank you again for hosting this hearing and the opportunity to testify.
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