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GA senator pushes for federal legislation improving infrastructure in wake of Atlanta water crisis – 95.5 WSB

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Following June’s water outages in Atlanta, legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Ossoff aims to prevent similar problems in another metro Atlanta city.

“The City of Atlanta’s recent experience has shown us the urgency of investing conscientiously in our water infrastructure,” Ossoff said. “Clean, safe and healthy drinking water is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

The City of East Point Water System currently serves 70,000 people in East Point, Hapeville and College Park. Ossoff’s legislation provides $20 million and authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to work with the local water utility department on improvement priorities.

City officials say they have spent years mapping local water systems to identify areas of greatest need.

“So we got a head start,” said Melissa Echevarria, water resources director for the city of East Point. “We have given priority to the rehabilitation and repair of our oldest lines. »

The legislation, known as the East Point Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act, is included in a broader national water infrastructure bill expected to be submitted to Congress later this year.

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