U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, along with U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell say the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Act will stimulate private investment Watch video
HACKENSACK -- U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, along with U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, outlined federal legislation Monday designed to prevent a Flint-like water crisis from coming to New Jersey.
"Flint has taught us all that ignoring our aging water infrastructure has dire consequences," Menendez (D-N.J.) said. "We've under-invested in our infrastructure, certainly we've underinvested in water systems, and now we're paying the price."
The Sustainable Water Infrastructure Act would stimulate billions in private-sector investment to fund large-scale repairs and upgrades to state water systems.
The bill modifies the federal tax code to remove caps on the issuances of government private activity bonds for water and wastewater projects, officials said.
The discussion took place in a garage on the grounds of Suez North America in Hackensack. The water company maintains private investment would reduce the cost of infrastructure projects, a savings that would be passed onto customers.
Suez executive vice president Robert Iacullo said many water-system pipes in New Jersey are several decades old, with some surpassing 70 years.
"A water main breaks every two minutes in the United States," Iacullo said. "We know that cities across New Jersey and across our nation need high levels of investment. And that's why we support the swift passage of this important legislation."
Booker (D-N.J.) said financing critical water infrastructure upgrades through private investment will "create jobs, spur economic growth and most importantly protect the health and safety of our communities."
Pascrell (D-9th Dist.) said about a quarter of the treated water in the United States is lost as it travels to homes and businesses due to burst pipes.
"Fixing these aging systems is a pressing need and upgrades can help alleviate threats to public health," Pascrell said.
The water crisis in Michigan began in April 2014, when Flint switched its source of tap water. Residents noticed the water's odd taste an appearance, which was the result of lead leaching into the water.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.